Urinary incontinence: Symptoms, causes and prevention

Article by Doctor Dang Anh Son - Emergency Resuscitation Department, Vinmec Times City International Hospital.

For most people, simple lifestyle changes or medical treatment can ease discomfort or end urinary incontinence.

Many people experience occasional urine leaks. Others may lose small to moderate amounts of urine more often.
Types of urinary incontinence include:
Stress incontinence. Urine leaks when you put pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects. Involuntary urges. You have a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by urinary incontinence. You may have to urinate often, including at night. Urinary incontinence can be caused by a minor condition, such as an infection, or a more serious condition such as a neurological disorder or diabetes. Uncontrolled overflow. You have frequent or constant flow of urine because your bladder doesn't empty completely. Uncontrollable function. Physical or mental impairment that prevents you from going to the bathroom in time. For example, if you have severe arthritis, you may not be able to unbutton your pants fast enough. Mixed defecation. You experience more than one type of urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is not a disease, it is a symptom. It can be caused by daily habits, underlying medical conditions, or physical problems. A thorough evaluation by your doctor can help determine what's behind your incontinence.
Temporary urinary incontinence
Certain drinks, foods and medications can act as diuretics - stimulating the bladder and increasing urine output. These include:
Alcohol Caffeine Carbonated drinks and carbonated water Artificial sweeteners Chocolate Chili Peppers Foods with a lot of spice, sugar or acids, especially citrus fruits Heart and blood pressure medications, medications sedatives and muscle relaxants Large doses of vitamin C Urinary incontinence can also be caused by an easily treatable medical condition, such as:
Urinary tract infection. An infection can irritate your bladder, causing you to have a strong and sometimes uncontrollable need to urinate. Constipation . The rectum is located near the bladder and has many of the same nerves. Hard, compacted stools in the rectum cause these nerves to become overactive and increase the frequency of urination

Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence can also be a persistent condition due to underlying physical problems or changes, including:
Pregnancy. Hormonal changes and increased fetal weight can lead to stress incontinence. Birth. Vaginal delivery can weaken the muscles needed to control the bladder and also damage bladder nerves and supporting tissue, leading to a prolapsed pelvic floor (prolapse). Varies by age. Aging of the bladder muscles can decrease the bladder's ability to store urine. Removal of the uterus. Any surgery that involves a woman's reproductive system, including a hysterectomy, can damage the supporting pelvic floor muscles, possibly leading to urinary incontinence. Prostate enlargement. Especially in older men, urinary incontinence often stems from an enlarged prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate cancer. In men, stress or urinary incontinence may be related to untreated prostate cancer. But often, urinary incontinence is a side effect of prostate cancer treatments. Congestion. A tumor anywhere along your urinary tract can block the normal flow of urine, leading to urinary incontinence. Urinary stones - hard rock-like masses that form in the bladder - sometimes cause urine to leak. Neurological disorders plant . Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, brain tumor, or spinal cord injury can interfere with nerve signals involved in bladder control, causing urinary incontinence.

Factors that increase the risk of urinary incontinence include:
Gender. Women are more likely to experience stress incontinence. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and normal female anatomy are responsible for this difference. However, men with prostate problems are at risk for urges and urinary incontinence.

Age. As you age, the muscles in your bladder and urethra lose some of their strength. Age-related changes decrease how much the bladder can hold and increase urinary incontinence. Overweight. Extra weight puts extra pressure on your bladder and surrounding muscles, weakening them and allowing urine to escape when you cough or sneeze. Smoke. Tobacco use can increase the risk of urinary incontinence. Family history. If a close family member has urinary incontinence, especially incontinence, your risk of developing the condition is higher. Other diseases. Neuropathy or diabetes can increase the risk of urinary incontinence.

Complications of chronic urinary incontinence include:
Skin problems. Rashes, skin infections, and sores can develop when the skin is constantly wet. Urinary tract infections. Incontinence increases the risk of repeated urinary tract infections. Affect your personal life. Urinary incontinence can affect your social, work, and personal relationships.

Urinary incontinence is not always preventable. However, to help reduce your risk, need to:
Maintain a healthy weight Do pelvic floor exercises Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods Eat plenty of fiber more, can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence. Don't smoke or seek help to quit. Routine health check-ups help detect illnesses early so you can plan treatment. achieve optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy, including:
Health checkup package general Standard 2020 General health check-up package VIP 2020 General health check-up package Special 2020 General health check-up package Children 2020 General health examination package Work permit - Issuance of work permits Examination results of people sick will be returned home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.