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Writer's pictureWephysio MFC

Do you know about Urine Incontinence (UI) ?

Person leaks urine by accident due to loss of bladder function. It can be often cure or controlled. The body stores urine in bladder. During urination, muscles in bladder tighten to move urine into a tube called urethra. At the same time, the muscles around urethra relax and let the urine pass out of the body. When the muscles in & around the bladder don't work the way they should. Muscles relax without warning, urine can leak.


UI is a very common condition in elderly people, especially in women because of the unique health events, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, that may affect the urinary tract and the surrounding muscles. The pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder, urethra, uterus (womb), and bowels may become weaker or damaged. When the muscles that support the urinary tract are weak, the muscles in the urinary tract must work harder to hold urine until you are ready to urinate. This extra stress or pressure on the bladder and urethra can cause urinary incontinence or leakage. Also, the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra. Any weakness or damage to the urethra in a woman is more likely to cause urinary incontinence



Types of UI ?


  1. Stress incontinence

  2. Urge incontinence

  3. Overflow incontinence

  4. Functional incontinence


Stress incontinence

Urine leaks as pressure is put on the bladder, for eg. during exercises, coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting heavy objects. Most common type of young & middle age women. Stress incontinence is categorised in 4 grades according to the severity.


Grage 0 - no urine loss found

Grade 1 - urine loss in droplets while standing

Grade 2 - urine loss in a stream while standing

Grade 3 - urine loss in a stream while lying down.


Urge incontinence

Urine leaks when sudden need to urinate & can not hold the urine long enough to get to toilet. Common in people with diabetes.


Overflow incontinence

Small amount of urine leak from a bladder that is always filled. Common in people with diabetes, spinal cord injury, enlarged prostrated is blocking urethra.


Functional incontinence

Occurs in many older people who have normal bladder function. They just have problem getting to the toilet as soon due to hardness of move quickly.



Causes of UI


  • Urinary tract, virginal infections

  • Constipation

  • Weak or overactive bladder muscles

  • Weak pelvic floor muscles, common after pregnancy, child birth, menopause.

  • Damage to the nerve that control the bladder function.

  • Pelvic organ prolapses

  • Blockage from an enlarged prostate in men


Diagnosis & treatment of UI


Treatment depends on the type of bladder control problem you have how serious it is & what best fits your lifestyle.


  • Pelvic muscle exercises

  • Bio feedback

  • Time voiding

  • Life style changing


Keep your bladder healthy is the best way to minimize risk of developing UI.


Follow these 13 TIPS to keep your bladder healthy


  • Drink enough fluids, especially water. (normal healthy adult 6-8 glace of fluid each day)

  • Limit alcohol & caffeine. eg- coffee, tea, chocolate, most salts

  • Quit smoking

  • Avoid constipation

  • Keep a healthy weight

  • Exercise regularly

  • Do pelvic floor muscle exercises

  • Use the bathroom often & when needed- try to urinate at least every 3 to 4 hours.

  • Take enough time to fully empty the bladder when urinating

  • Be in a relaxed position while urinating

  • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet

  • Urinate after sex

  • Wear cotton underwear & loose- fitting clothes



Prasadi Amarasekara



References


  • https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/urinary-incontinence-older-adults

  • https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-incontinence

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