Get familiar with urinary incontinence to handle it In A Better Way!
Mukta Agrawal
Urinary incontinence is a common problem that can put any adult in an embarrassing condition. It can range from a leakage while you cough or sneeze to a sudden necessity to urinate at almost any time irrespective of the place. Sometimes, it does not allow you the time to look for a toilet even and the consequences can be upsetting. Both men and women suffer from the problem. Girls usually have more bladder control than men which is why they have bedwetting problem than boys. But women owing to their anatomical differences and the changes brought by childbirth are more likely to suffer from the problem later on. However, the condition is not incurable and approaching the doctor at the right time can save you from anything serious happening.
Understanding The Nature Of Incontinence You Are Facing:
The incontinence is usually found in three states which are primarily stress inconsistence that includes leakage of urine while coughing, lifting things or even sneezing. These physical movements put pressure on the abdomen and, as a result, the leakage takes place. Urge incontinence, as the name suggests, is the inability to hold urine once you get the nature’s call. The overflow incontinence is defined as the constant urine dribbling in small amounts because of the necessity of going to the bathroom frequently. The causes for the condition can be many and differ according to gender. You may be suffering from a temporary one if you have contracted a urinary tract infection or are suffering from constipation. Other reasons for the condition can be the consumption of food, drinks or medication that increases the amount of urine. The list includes caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, medicines for blood pressure, muscle relaxants, sedatives and Vitamin B and C.
Effects on men and women!
The more persistent conditions are usually caused by different problems.
Pregnancy: The increased weight in the uterus and hormonal changes are definite reasons.
Childbirth: Vaginal births weaken the muscles which help in controlling the bladder and damaging the nerves and cause the pelvic floor to drop. Under such a situation the uterus, rectum, small intestine, bladder, and uterus get protruded in the vagina which leads to urinary inconsistency.
Hysterectomy: Many muscles support the uterus and the bladder, but when a hysterectomy operation is performed the pelvic muscles lose the strength and inconsistence take place.
Menopause: Estrogen levels fall when women reach menopause. It leads to the deterioration of the bladder and urethra and the urge for frequent urination.
Prostate: For men the prostate gland is important and the inconsistency may start owing to the enlargement of the gland. Men who suffer from stress inconsistence often suffer from prostate cancer that is untreated.
Obstruction: A tumor or urinary stone that blocks the urinary tract may lead to incontinence or leakage.
Disorders: Neurological disorders like spinal injury, brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, or even multiple sclerosis may cause the problem.
Are You at the risk of being affected by urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence can get complicated and risky for a lot of sections of people like overweight ones. The excess weight puts pressure on the bladder and weakens the muscles. So when you sneeze or cough urine leaks. People with neurological and diabetes are also likely to suffer from incontinence. With the advent of age, the condition becomes worse because the muscles in the urethra and the bladder lose their strength. So the chances of involuntary urine leakage become more. Women face an increased threat of being affected by it owing to the weakening of the muscles after childbirth. Those suffering from a chronic situation are likely to show skin problems like rashes and sores owing to wet skin. It has the potential of affecting your social life as you have to frequently run to the washroom to relieve yourself.
Can you stop or control it?
Urinary incontinence cannot be prevented but in all likelihood you can try to maintain a healthy weight to put less pressure on the bladder. Practicing exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor is a possibility and is necessary if you are pregnant. A high fiber diet that prevents constipation is a good option. Also avoiding acidic food and caffeine can reduce the chances. Quitting the habit of smoking also helps in reducing the urge for frequent urination. Taking care to remember these conditions are a good idea if you want to control the condition or prevent its onset earlier than usual. However if you already have been affected by it there are ways of controlling it.
Try not to drink too much water after six in the evening.
But avoid getting dehydrated because it can lead to problems like urinary tract infection or making it even worse.
Cutting down on alcohol and carbonated drinks is very important since they are diuretic and can aggravate the condition.
Spicy foods often lead to an overactive bladder in the way chocolates and sweets do. It is a good idea to maintain a diary and note down the effects each has on the body. You can eliminate the items depending on the effect they have.
Training the bladder to control the pressure till such time you can find a washroom is useful but it has to be done gradually. The duration between break and bathrooms has to be increased gradually.
You can always opt for incontinence diapers and other products that can help the condition. They are designed smartly and barely noticeable and in fact they help in keeping the skin free from rashes and odor.
Medications are readily available which help to treat the problem and make you feel better. Consulting a doctor is important to get a proper diagnosis of the condition and the relevant medications.
The condition is highly treatable and there is no reason to worry at all. Proper medication and treatment can prevent your social life from getting bogged down. But it is necessary to know your body and be prepared whether you are going to office or preparing to travel. .
