Urinary incontinence (UI) is the accidental loss of urine.

According to the National Association for Continence, over 25 million adult Americans experience temporary or chronic urinary incontinence or UI.

Urinary incontinence can occur at any age, but it is more common among women over 50.

Urinary incontinence may be a temporary condition that results from an underlying medical condition.

It can range from the discomfort of slight losses of urine to severe, frequent wetting.

WHY URINARY INCONTINENCE HAPPENS

Although it is more prevalent in older persons, urinary incontinence is not a natural feature of getting older.

It is frequently brought on by particular alterations in how the body functions, which can be brought on by illnesses, treatments, or diseases themselves.

Sometimes it is the only sign of a urinary tract infection.

The most common times for women to experience urinary incontinence are

• during pregnancy,
• immediately following delivery, or
• during menopausal hormone changes.

Hormones (estrogen in particular) change during menopause and perimenopause and this can alter bladder control.

Some beverages, such as coffee and alcohol, can increase how frequently you need to urinate.

Your need to urinate regularly usually decreases if you stop drinking these beverages.

Many people who experience urinary incontinence believe they should drink less in order to lessen the amount of urine that leaks out.

However, you require fluids, particularly water, for optimal health.   Chronic constipation, which results in firm, dry stools, might impair your ability to manage your bladder.

TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

Urgency incontinence

This is the inability to contain one’s urination long enough to get to a bathroom.

It may also be accompanied by frequent urination and an intense urge to urinate that comes on suddenly.

It might be a distinct issue, but it could also be a symptom of other illnesses or disorders that would also require medical attention.

Stress incontinence

It occurs when urine leaks while

• exercising,
• laughing,
• sneezing,
• coughing,
• lifting heavy objects, or
• making other actions that create strain on the bladder.

Functional incontinence

This urine leakage is a result of a delay in using the restroom owing to physical issues such as arthritis, an injury, or other limitations.

Overflow incontinence

When the bladder’s capacity to contain the urine is exceeded, leakage results.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Everyone experiences urinary incontinence differently.

However, common symptoms include:

• Needing to rush to the restroom
• Leaking urine if you do not get to the restroom in time
• Urine leakage with movements or exercise
• Leakage of urine that prevents activities
• Urine leakage with coughing, sneezing or laughing
• Leakage of urine that began or continued after surgery
• Leakage of urine that causes embarrassment
• Constant feeling of wetness without sensation of urine leakage
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

The symptoms of urinary incontinence may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

GETTING A DIAGNOSIS

Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for those who experience urine incontinence.

Patients are frequently then directed to a urologist or urogynecologist, a medical professional who focuses on conditions of the urinary tract.

A thorough physical examination that focuses on the

• urinary and nervous systems,
• reproductive organs,
• and urine samples

is used to diagnose urinary incontinence.

Keep track of any urinary or fecal incontinence symptoms in your mySysters app. mySysters helps women manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day named mySysters the Best App for Women in Perimenopause and a Must Have App for Women.

The preceding information does not constitute medical advice or treatment.

Resources: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/urinary-incontinence/urinary-incontinence-in-women

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17596-urinary-incontinence

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/treatment