Current Research Explaining Incontinence
About 1 in 3 people in the United States have problems with leaking urine (urinary incontinence). Often people do not tell their doctors about their symptoms, probably because of embarrassment. Loss of bladder control ranges in severity from occasionally leaking urine when coughing or sneezing to having an urge to urinate that is so sudden and strong one does not get to a toilet in time.
Urinary incontinence may be caused by:
- stress incontinence (leakage when sneezing, coughing, or exercising),
- urge continence (sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine),
- functional incontinence (physical or mental impairment that keeps one from making it to the toilet in time. Example: arthritis that keeps one from making it to the toilet in time or not being able to unbutton pants quickly enough.
- side effects of medications, aging, severe constipation, weakened pelvic floor muscles, and changes in the body from surgery and childbirth.
- overflow incontinence means the urge to urinate, but one can only release a small amount. Since the bladder does not empty as it should, it then leaks urine later.
What causes urinary incontinence in men?
“Stress incontinence can happen when the prostate gland is removed. If there has been damage to the nerves or to the sphincter, the lower part of the bladder may not have enough support. Keeping urine in the bladder is then up to the sphincter alone.” “Urge incontinence is caused by bladder muscles that squeeze so hard that the sphincter cannot hold back the urine. This causes a very strong urge to urinate.” “Overflow incontinence can be caused by something blocking the urethra, which leads to urine building up in the bladder. This is often caused by an enlarged prostate gland or a narrowed urethra. It may also happen because of weak bladder muscles.”
What causes urinary incontinence in women?
“Stress incontinence can be caused by childbirth, weight gain, or other conditions that stretch the pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles cannot support your bladder properly, the bladder drops down and pushes against the vagina.” Urine may leak because of the extra pressure on the bladder when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
“Urge incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder muscle that pushes urine out of the bladder. It may be caused by irritation of the bladder, emotional stress, or brain conditions such as Parkinson's disease or stroke.”
Prevention tips
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and sour or tart foods which can irritate the bladder. Constipation may be lessened by eating more fiber. Eliminating smoking can lessen coughing. Limiting amount of liquids before bedtime is helpful. Managing weight also helps. Going to the bathroom several times each day and practicing double-voiding (means going as much as one can) are also helpful. Consider consulting one’s primary health care provider when activities, social interactions, and quality of life are affected.
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