What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of bladder control, is a prevalent and sometimes socially uncomfortable issue. Its severity varies from occasional leakage during activities like coughing or sneezing to sudden, intense urination urges without enough time to reach a restroom.
While it becomes more common with age, urinary incontinence is not an unavoidable aspect of ageing. If this condition impacts your daily life, it's crucial to consult your doctor. In many cases, straightforward adjustments in lifestyle, diet, or medical interventions can effectively address the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
When should you see a doctor for urinary incontinence?
Knowing when to consult a doctor about incontinence may feel awkward, but it is crucial, mainly if incontinence occurs frequently or significantly impacts your life. Seeking medical advice is essential because urinary incontinence can:
- This leads to activity restrictions and decreased social interactions
- Negatively affect your overall quality of life
- Heighten the risk of falls in older adults due to hurried trips to the toilet
- Serve as an indicator of a potentially more serious underlying condition
Treatment
The treatment approach for urinary incontinence depends on its type, severity, and underlying cause. Your doctor will address any primary conditions contributing to your symptoms first.
First, your doctor may recommend less invasive treatments, progressing to other options if necessary.
Behavioural techniques may include:
- Bladder Training: Delaying urination after feeling the urge, gradually increasing the time between trips to the toilet until you reach a desired interval, such as every 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
- Double Voiding: Learning to empty your bladder more completely to prevent overflow incontinence. This involves urinating, waiting a few minutes, and then trying again.
- Scheduled Toilet Trips: Establish a regular urinating pattern every two to four hours, regardless of immediate need.
- Fluid and Diet Management: Regaining bladder control by reducing or avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and acidic foods and adjusting fluid intake. Weight loss and increased physical activity may also contribute to improvement.
-
Pelvic floor muscle exercises
Your doctor may advise regular pelvic floor muscle exercises, known as Kegel exercises, to strengthen the muscles responsible for controlling urination. While particularly effective for stress incontinence, these exercises may also benefit those with urge incontinence.
For better guidance in identifying and engaging the correct muscles, your doctor may recommend working with a pelvic floor physical therapist or trying biofeedback techniques.
-
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation involves the temporary insertion of electrodes into the rectum or vagina to stimulate and fortify pelvic floor muscles. This gentle form of electrical stimulation can be beneficial for both stress and urge incontinence, but multiple sessions over several months may be necessary for optimal results.
Speak to our experts about urinary incontinence
Don't let urinary incontinence limit your daily activities or affect your well-being. Schedule a consultation with our experts today to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and embark on a journey towards improved bladder health and overall quality of life.
