|
Many women have the problem of leaking small amounts of urine during some time in their lives. This problem can
occur with simple activities as coughing, laughing, or sneezing. Some women will leak urine when they feel the urge
to urinate. When the leakage of urine begins to affect your activities of daily living then you should consider discussing
your options with your gynecologist. Often women are embarrassed to discuss this important issue with their health care
provider.
SYMPTOMS OF URINARY INCONTINENCE
- Urgency - a desire to urinate even when bladder is not full
- Frequency - urinating more than every 2 hours
- Nocturia - urinate 2 or more times in the middle of the night
- Dysuria - painful urination
- Enuresis - wetting while asleep
TYPES OF INCONTINENCE
- Urge - overactive muscle wall of bladder
- Stress - pressure inside of bladder > pressure in urethra
- Overflow - bladder fails to empty fully during urination
CAUSES OF INCONTINENCE
- Urinary tract infections
- Pelvic support problems (usually caused by childbirth and aging)
- Urinary tract abnormalities (fistulas, abnormal openings between the urinary tract and the vagina)
TREATMENT
- Bladder retraining
- Medications that control bladder spasms
- Kegel exercises - these exercises are done by squeezing your pelvic muscles for 10 seconds, 10 to 20 times in a row, 2
to 3 times per day. After performing Kegel exercises for six weeks, your ability to hold urine should improve.
- Pessary - a device that supports the pelvic muscles especially if surgery is not an option.
- Surgical treatment - surgically lifting pelvic muscles to aid in support. If you may be a candidate for surgical
treatment you must make some lifestyle changes before considering this option:
- Stop smoking
- Get treatment for lung disease
- Lose weight
- Avoid constipation
- Avoid any further heavy lifting
|
