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What Causes Incontinence?

incontinence

Incontinence or the inability to control urine leaks is a condition that affects one third of women. This can affect your quality of living, as you worry about the next time you’ll experience a urine leakage. You may also plan your daily activities to be near a toilet. 

There are several treatment options that can help you manage urinary incontinence symptoms so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy. You can choose between medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical treatment. Each option has its pros and cons, which your healthcare provider will discuss.

What causes incontinence?

It can be caused by many factors, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. These events can cause the muscles supporting your bladder and urethra to weaken, resulting in urine leakage. Other factors include: The lining of the bladder can be damaged over time and become inflamed. It can be due to an infection (UTI), or medication you are taking. You may also feel more urinate after drinking certain drinks, like coffee or alcohol.

  1. It is caused by a temporary condition will stop when the underlying cause is addressed. If your incontinence stems from a chronic condition, you may need to manage it over time.
  2. Making simple daily changes can help both men and women deal with urinary problems. Start by reducing fluid intake, avoiding caffeinated beverages and ensuring you have easy toilet access. Kegel exercises are a great way to strengthen your muscles that control the bladder and urethra.
  3. You can also use a more serious medication to treat your bladder muscle issues that are causing the leakage. If you have mild or moderate incontinence, a bladder-training program can help improve your bladder control.

Special toilets are available for those who suffer from this disease. These include ones with raised edges that are easier to step on. Your healthcare provider can advise you about the best toilet for your specific needs.

What are the symptoms associated with incontinence?

Incontinence can be divided into two types: urge incontinence, and stress incontinence. Exercise, coughing or laughter can trigger stress incontinence. It occurs when the muscles holding your bladder in position are under pressure. Urge incontinence occurs when you feel the need to urinate suddenly but are unable to reach the bathroom.

A physical examination and a review of your medical history will help your doctor diagnose it accurately. You will be asked about your incontinence, when it happens and any other symptoms. You may be asked to maintain a journal of how often you urinate, and the amount of urine that you produce. A bladder ultrasound test may be performed, in which a small probe is placed against the bladder and urethra of your body to measure pressure.

If you would like to speak with a Doctor who is an expert in the field or has Australian training, please contact us. Book an online Telehealth consultation. We are always here for you, 24/7. Contact info@clinicall.com.au.