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Urinary Incontinence
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Urinary incontinence is the uncontrollable loss of urine. The six main types of urinary incontinence are:
What is going on in the body?
Urinary incontinence can occur at any age. The kidneys constantly produce urine. Urine flows through two long tubes, or ureters, to the bladder, where urine is stored. A muscle at the bottom of the bladder stays contracted, or tightened, so urine remains in the bladder until it is full. When the decision is made to urinate, the muscle relaxes and urine flows out. The entire process is complex. The ability to control urination can be disrupted in different ways, resulting in urinary incontinence.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Urinary incontinence can occur at any age. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected. The cause of this condition is different among different age groups. There are many possible causes of urinary incontinence. These include:
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
The symptoms of urinary incontinence include:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
People often live with incontinence without seeking help. Many cases can be cured or controlled if the treatment is started early.
The condition is diagnosed mainly on the pattern of symptoms. Different types of urinary incontinence are diagnosed if symptoms started recently and suddenly, or if they developed over a period of time. If symptoms started suddenly, the cause is most likely a bladder problem. The most common bladder problem is infection. Usually the cause can be discovered by a healthcare professional by taking a thorough history of the problem and performing a physical exam. A test of the urine, called a urine culture, must be done to check for infection.
Sometimes special tests during urination may be required.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
There are ways to prevent urinary incontinence:
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Urinary incontinence is the second leading cause of institutionalizing elderly people. The problem contributes to the development of pressure sores, bladder and kidney infections, and depression. Depression is a common long-term effect. The condition disrupts the normal activities of daily living. Without correct diagnosis and treatment, the problem will worsen and will be even more difficult to treat. Urinary incontinence is also embarrassing and frustrating.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment depends, in part, on the problem. A doctor can discuss the available treatments. The best treatment needs careful analysis of the problem in each person. Newer treatments involve electrical stimulation of the muscles that close the bladder. Treatment often involves simple steps to regain bladder control. These steps include:
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The side effects of treatment depend on the type of incontinence that is diagnosed and the method used to treat it. It is important to check with a doctor before stopping any medication.
How is the condition monitored?
Follow up is important in any treatment to make sure progress is being made.
Attribution
Author:Dr. Karen Wolfe, MBBS, MA
Date Written:
Editor:Evans, Gwen, BA
Edit Date:03/29/00
Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed:09/04/01