Urinary Incontinence - this delicate problem that many do not talk about.
Incontinence. Nature and types.
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine. This means that a person urinates when he does not want to. Control over the urinary sphincter is lost or weakened. In practice, there are various causes in which incontinence may develop. Due to the delicate nature of this condition, patients often do not accept to consult a specialist. And the truth is that it is a common problem that affects many people. Incontinence is more common among women than men. It is estimated that 30 percent of women aged 30-60 suffer from this condition, compared to 1.5-5 percent of men.
Experts comment that even in a birth that was not properly managed, that went quickly and dynamically, or when the birth was too prolonged (for example, in the presence of a large fetus), so-called stress incontinence could develop.
Main types:
- Stress incontinence
- Pressure incontinence
- Nocturnal incontinence
- Mixed incontinence
- Permanent incontinence
- Neurogenic incontinence
- Overflow incontinence
What are the risk factors:
Risk factors associated with urinary incontinence:
- Obesity: In people with higher weight, additional pressure is put on the bladder and surrounding muscles. This weakens the muscles, making urine leakage more likely when a person sneezes or coughs.
- Smoking: this harmful habit, in addition to the many lasting harms it causes, can lead to frequent (chronic) coughing, which can trigger episodes of incontinence.
- Gender: as previously mentioned, women are more likely to experience stress incontinence than men, especially if they have given birth.
- Age: No general conclusion can be drawn about the age at which incontinence occurs, but it is an undeniable fact that the muscles in the bladder and urethra weaken with age.
- Certain diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, spinal cord injury and neurological diseases such as stroke increase the risk.
- Prostate disease: incontinence may occur after prostate surgery or radiation therapy.
Complications:
The inability to hold urine can sometimes lead to discomfort, embarrassment and even other physical problems.
These include:
- Skin problems - a person with urinary incontinence is more likely to have skin sores, rashes and infections as the skin is wet or moist most of the time. This is bad for wound healing and also promotes fungal infections.
- Urinary tract infections - prolonged use of a urinary catheter significantly increases the risk of infection.
- Prolapse - part of the vagina, bladder, and sometimes the urethra can fall into the entrance to the vagina. This is usually caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles.
How it is diagnosed:
Ways to diagnose urinary incontinence include:
- It is good to form a diary, where the person records what amount of fluid he takes and, accordingly, when urinating - how much urine is produced; what is the number of episodes of incontinence.
- Physical examination - the doctor can perform a vaginal examination and check the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. The specialist may examine the rectum of a male patient to determine if the prostate gland is enlarged.
- Urine analysis: tests are conducted for signs of infection and abnormalities.
- Blood test: this can assess kidney function.
- Measurement of post voiding residual (PVR) - i.e. how much urine is left in the bladder after urination.
- Ultrasound of the pelvis: gives an image and can help detect any changes/alterations.
- Urodynamic study: this study determines how the bladder empties and how urine is retained in it. Urodynamic testing consists of several urodynamic tests.
- Cystogram: an X-ray that provides an image of the bladder.
- Cystoscopy: an endoscopic examination in which a thin tube (cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra and used to view the bladder
Treatment:
Treatment will depend on several factors such as the type of incontinence, the patient's age, general health and mental state.
- Pelvic floor exercises - Kegel exercises.
These are the so-called pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), which take care of an important group of muscles. They help strengthen the urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles - the muscles that help control urination. - Bladder training - The aim is to control the urge to urinate. The patient learns how to delay urination whenever he has the urge to do so.
- Injection of a special medication in the form of a gel-like substance. The procedure is particularly gentle and is performed in outpatient conditions. In many patients, the effect is quite good.
- Medications for urinary incontinence
If medication is used, it is usually in combination with other techniques or exercises for better effect.
- Botox - Botox injections are administered via a device inserted into the ureter. This type of treatment usually gives a temporary result for a few months, as that is how long the Botox itself works.
- Surgical treatment for incontinence - includes sling surgery, artificial sphincter placement and other types of surgical interventions.
Medicine is constantly advancing. Methods of dealing with urinary incontinence are multiplying. What is particularly important in this case is to seek timely medical help. With modern diagnostic methodologies, the patient discovers exactly what form of incontinence he is affected by. Then, taking into account his age and the form of incontinence, the most appropriate form of treatment will be prescribed.For more information, we at Medical Carragee are at your service.
Call us on the following numbers "Medical Karaj": 0879 977 401 or 0879 977 402.
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