Q1. What is urinary incontinence?
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Q2. Why is it important that people with urinary incontinence see a doctor? Can urinary incontinence be cured?
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Q3. What causes urinary incontinence?
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Q4. What are the types of urinary incontinence?
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Q5. How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?
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Q6. How is urinary incontinence treated?
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Q7. How can urinary incontinence be managed, if it cannot be cured?
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| Q1. |
What is urinary incontinence? |
| A1. |
Urinary incontinence, or loss of urine control, occurs in people of all ages but is common in older people. At least 1 in 10 people aged 65 years or older suffers from incontinence. This condition can range from the discomfort of slight losses of urine to the disability and shame of severe, frequent wetting. |
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| Q2. |
Why is it important that people with urinary incontinence see a doctor? Can urinary incontinence be cured? |
| A2. |
Many people with incontinence withdraw from social life and try to hide the problem from their families, friends and even their doctor.
These reactions are unfortunate because, in most cases, incontinence can be treated and controlled, if not cured.
People who have problems controlling urination should see their doctor. Even when incontinence cannot be completely cured, modern products and ways of managing the condition can ease the discomfort and inconvenience it causes. |
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| Q3. |
What causes urinary incontinence? top |
| A3. |
Incontinence may be brought on by an illness accompanied by fatigue, confusion or a hospital admission. Incontinence is sometimes the first and only symptom of a urinary tract infection. Curing the illness will usually relieve or clear up the incontinence. |
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| Q4. |
What are the types of urinary incontinence? |
| A4. |
The most common forms of urinary incontinence are listed below:
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Stress incontinence: is the leakage of urine that occurs during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, the lifting of heavy objects or other body movements that put pressure on the bladder. It is the most common type of incontinence and can almost always be cured.
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Urge Incontinence: is the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a toilet. It is often found in people who have conditions such as diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. It can also be a warning sign of early bladder cancer. In men, it is often a sign of an enlarged prostate. It can, however, occur in otherwise healthy, older people.
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Overflow Incontinence: is the leakage of small amounts of urine from a bladder that is always full. This can occur when the flow of urine from the bladder is blocked or when there is loss of normal bladder function in some people with diabetes.
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Functional Incontinence: occurs in many older people who have normal urine control but who have difficulty reaching a toilet in time because of arthritis or other crippling disorders.
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| Q5. |
How is urinary incontinence diagnosed? |
| A5. |
The first and most important step in treating incontinence is to see a doctor for a complete medical examination that focuses on the urinary system, the nervous system and the reproductive organs. |
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| Q6. |
How is urinary incontinence treated? top |
| A6. |
Treatment of urinary incontinence should be tailored to each patient's needs. The many options include:
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Certain Behavioural Techniques: Certain behavioural techniques including pelvic muscle exercises, biofeedback and bladder training are helpful in controlling urination. These help a person to sense the filling of the bladder and delay voiding (the passing of urine) until he or she can reach a toilet.
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Medical Treatment: A number of medications can be used to treat incontinence. However, they must be carefully used under a doctor's supervision.
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Surgery: Several types of surgery can improve or even cure incontinence that is related to a structural problem such as an abnormally positioned bladder or blockage due to an enlarged prostate.
Devices that replace or aid the muscles controlling urine flow have been tried in people with incontinence. Many of these
devices require surgical implantation. |
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| Q7. |
How can urinary incontinence be managed, if it cannot be cured? |
| A7. |
Sometimes, incontinence cannot be cured, but it can be managed in several ways such as through:
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Specially Designed Absorbent Underclothing: Specially designed absorbent underclothing is available. Many of these garments are no more bulkier than normal underwear and can be worn easily under everyday clothing.
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Catheterisation: Incontinence may be managed by inserting a flexible tube, known as a catheter, into the urethra and collecting the urine in a container. However, long-term catheterisation, although sometimes necessary, creates many problems – including urinary infections. In men, an alternative to the indwelling catheter is an external collecting device. This is fitted over the penis and connected to a drainage bag.
It is important to remember that under a doctor's care, incontinence can be treated and often cured. Even incurable problems can be managed to reduce complications, anxiety and stress. |
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