What is Urinary Incontinence?
Contrary to popular belief, urinary incontinence is not just something that comes with age, but rather a symptom of other underlying conditions. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and affects nearly 200 million people worldwide. One-third of men and women over the age of 18 in the U.S. suffer from urinary incontinence.
It is not only a medical problem but also affects the emotional and psychological part of life as many people who suffer are often afraid to partake in normal daily activities. Urinary incontinence keeps people of all ages, both men, and women, from enjoying everyday life.
There are four specific types of incontinence; urge, stress, mixed and overflow.
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Urge / overactive bladder (OAB)
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Brain tells bladder to empty even when it isn’t full
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The strong need to urinate but cannot reach toilet in time
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More likely in men with prostate and in women after menopause
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Effects anyone at any age- more than 30% men and 40% women in the U.S.
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Stress (SUI)
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Weak pelvic muscles allow urine to escape
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Most common type of urinary incontinence
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Experience bladder leaks while coughing, sneezing or laughing
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Mixed
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Combination of both stress and urge
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Overflow
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Rare in women
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Constant drip or “dribbling”
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Body makes more urine than the bladder can hold
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More common in men with prostate problems or have had prostate surgery
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Most cases of urinary incontinence can be managed and or treated. Simply, talk to your doctor to find out which type of treatment is best for you. You are not alone and there is time to regain your confidence and take back control of your life.
Sources: www.nafc.org , www.urologyhealth.org
*The Scensible Source does not offer any medical advice. Nothing contained within the site is intended to constitute professional advice for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please seek a doctor for further information regarding treatment.*