Q1. What is urinary incontinence?
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Q2. What are some possible causes of incontinence?
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Q3. What are the types of incontinence?
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| Q4. How is incontinence diagnosed? |
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Q1. |
What is urinary incontinence? |
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A1. |
It is the loss of bladder control that affects all ages, both sexes and people of every social and economic level. The exact number of people with incontinence is not known, but the total number of people affected may be far greater than current estimates. |
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Q2. |
What are some possible causes of incontinence? top |
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A2. |
Some possible causes of incontinence are:
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Diseases and disorders involving the nerves and/or the muscles
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A blocked urethra due to an enlarged prostate
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Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles
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Effects of medication
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Constipation |
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Q3. |
What are the types of incontinence? |
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A3. |
The types of incontinence are:
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Stress Incontinence: Stress incontinence may be due to poor bladder support or a weak/damaged sphincter. Urine tends to leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or walk.
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Urge Incontinence: Urge incontinence is the condition in which an overactive bladder contracts without you wanting it to do so. You may feel as if you can't wait to reach a toilet.
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Overflow Incontinence: Overflow incontinence is the condition in which the bladder is allowed to become so full that it overflows. This happens when there is bladder muscle weakness or when a blocked urethra prevents normal emptying.
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Total Incontinence: Total incontinence is the condition in which there is a complete loss of bladder control, usually occurring after some form of surgery to the lower urinary tract. |
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| Q4. |
How is incontinence diagnosed? top |
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The first step is to locate a health care provider who is interested in, and well-informed with respect to the treating of incontinence. Some of the following tests may be performed:
- Urinalysis: A sample of your urine will be tested for the presence of infection, blood or other abnormalities.
- Residual Urine Measurement: This test is performed to find out whether any urine remains after you have attempted to empty your bladder.
- Stress Test: In this test, while your bladder is full, you may be asked to cough, stand and perform other activities in order to find out whether these stresses on the bladder cause leakage.
- Ultrasound: This technique can be used to determine the size and shape of the kidneys, the bladder and the prostate.
- Cystoscopy: A thin telescope-like instrument called a cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This test allows the physician.
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