Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is an embarrassing affliction that affects millions of people each and every year. Fortunately though for most people, it is temporary. Temporary urinary incontinence can be caused by such, things as a urinary tract infection, the side effects of medication, or pregnancy and childbirth. This type of urinary incontinence is easily treated. More chronic types of urinary continence can be caused by such things as birth affects, nerve disorders, a blocked urethra, or bladder muscle weakness among others.

When a urologist diagnoses urinary incontinence, he may define it as one of the following types. Stress incontinence is caused by physical activity that puts pressure on the bladder. Such common sayings as coughing, sneezing and coughing and even laughing, can cause this type of stress urinary incontinence. Urge incontinence is characterized by an urgent need to void causing the bladder to contract voluntarily. Overflow urinary incontinence is also down as dribbling. In this case, the bladder never completely empties causing the urinary incontinence. Makes incontinence combines both stress and urge incontinence.

In the United States alone, approximately 10 to 15 million people suffer from urinary incontinence. Women are six times more likely to suffer from urinary incontinence than men. The elderly are also more prone to urinary incontinence. This is a great concern in nursing homes.

There are many options for treatment for urinary incontinence. Some urinary incontinence can be treated with simple medications or injections. Other cases may require surgery. Another option is what is known as the Kegel exercise. This exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles to help prevent urinary continence. The Kegel exercise is simply starting and stopping the flow of urine. This simple exercise done several times a day, will strengthen the abdominal muscles help to prevent urinary incontinence. Another thing to try is known as retraining the bladder. Try urinating only every three to six hours instead of every time you feel the urge. This again will strengthen the abdominal muscles to help prevent urinary incontinence.