Archive for June 10th, 2009

  • Bladder Incontinence – Causes And Types

    Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

    by Margaret Rudd

    Urinary incontinence or involuntary loss of urine is a common and potentially debilitating condition. Women are affected more often than men are; one in four women and one in nine men will suffer from it. Millions of people all over the world are suffering from this disorder.

    Urinary incontinence is not a natural part of aging, which many people believe. That is a myth. If you have any urinary leakage, go see your doctor. Successful treatments are available.

    What causes the loss of bladder control? Urinary incontinence is not a disease, it’s a symptom that indicates underlying problems. Urinary system is very complex and to work properly it requires very accurate and complex muscle-nerve coordination. If any muscles or nerves are not functioning properly, this could result in involuntary leakage.

    Potential causes of urinary incontinence are many: damaged nerves and/or muscles that control the bladder, urinary tract infections, medications, pregnancy and childbirth, tumors in or near the bladder, neurological disorders. Loss of bladder control can also be associated with lack of sleep, social anxiety, sexual activity, and alcohol, just to name a few.

    What are the different types of urinary incontinence? There are several: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence are basic types and most common. Other types include functional incontinence, mixed incontinence, and transient incontinence.

    The most common form of incontinence is stress incontinence. It happens with coughing, sneezing, exercising, laughing, lifting, and other activities that put pressure on the bladder.

    Urge incontinence involves an urgent desire to urinate. Leakage of urine happens due to bladder muscles that contract inappropriately. It is also called an overactive bladder.

    Overflow incontinence is involuntary loss of urine without the sense that you have to urinate. It occurs due to an overfilled bladder and can be caused by weak bladder muscles, blocked urethra, or nerve damage.

    Urinary incontinence can be an uncomfortable and upsetting condition, but in most cases can be treated and controlled, if not cured. The problem is that many people don’t seek medical help. If you’re having bladder control problems, see your doctor.

    About the Author:
    Margaret Rudd writes about health issues and wellbeing. Check the following links to learn more about medications for urge incontinence and Kegel exercises.