Understanding Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects many people. It is estimated that nearly 10 million people in the U.S. have some degree of urinary incontinence. It’s also something that has a significant impact on quality of life. 

Many people who suffer from urinary incontinence avoid certain activities such as exercise or going to work or school because of the fear of having an accident. For many people, urinary incontinence isn’t something they openly talk about – even with friends and family members. By increasing awareness about the condition, we can help individuals cope better with their symptoms and find treatment to start living happier healthier lives.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder. It is a fairly common condition that affects people of all ages. It’s a condition that commonly affects people with certain underlying medical conditions. Older people are also more likely to have problems with urinary incontinence.

There are several types of urinary incontinence: urge and stress. Urge urinary incontinence is a sudden and strong need to urinate that makes it difficult to make it to the bathroom in time. This happens when your bladder isn’t fully empty after you urinate. 

Stress urinary incontinence happens when your sphincter muscles that control urination are weakened and you leak urine when you make sudden movements, such as coughing, laughing, or sneezing.

Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can be caused by many different factors. While urinary incontinence is commonly associated with older adults, it can happen to anyone in any age group. Anyone with urinary problems like having a small bladder, or cystitis can experience urinary incontinence. 

This includes both men and women, infants and children, and even those who have had surgery, like a hysterectomy. Some people may be naturally more prone to it than others; however, it can also be due to aging, genetics, emotional stress, or anything else that may be affecting your body’s ability to properly empty your bladder. 

Urinary incontinence can be embarrassing to deal with for anyone who experiences it but especially for those who are also dealing with other medical conditions with embarrassing symptoms.

Additional causes of urinary incontinence include:

• Urinary tract infection - Bacteria can travel up the urinary tract and cause an infection in the bladder, kidneys, and ureters. This can result in a UTI, which is a common cause of urinary incontinence.

• Urinary obstruction - Urinary obstruction occurs when something gets stuck in the urethra and stops the flow of urine. The obstruction can cause an infection which could lead to urinary incontinence.

• Urinary spasms - Urinary spasms are abnormal contractions of the bladder muscles that lead to difficulty urinating and urinary incontinence.

• Neurological diseases - Diseases such as multiple sclerosis or stroke can cause damage to the nerves and muscles of the urinary tract, which can result in urinary incontinence.

• Pelvic floor dysfunction - Damage to the pelvic floor muscles can result in a weakened bladder sphincter, leading to urinary incontinence.

• Menopause - As women age, hormone levels decrease, which can cause the bladder to become less effective and less able to hold urine.

• Obesity - Excess weight can cause back and pelvic floor issues, which can result in urinary incontinence.

• Pregnancy - Changes in hormones and weight gain in pregnancy can lead to bladder weakness and urinary incontinence.

• Childbirth - Childbirth can result in pelvic floor damage and urinary incontinence.

Tips to Manage Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can be difficult to manage, but there are many things you can do to help relieve your symptoms. 

You can make urinary incontinence more manageable by: 

• Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day.

• Exercising regularly and eating healthy, high-fiber foods. Change your diet to include foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Kegel exercises can also help as they strengthen pelvic muscles.

• Use feminine hygiene products, pads, or adult diapers to protect your clothing.

Although staying hydrated when you have urinary incontinence may sound counterintuitive on the surface, it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. When you’re dehydrated, you’ll have an increased buildup of waste that will exasperate the situation and make things considerably worse for you. 

Treating Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a complex condition and can be very difficult to treat. However, a urologist can help you find the best treatment option for your needs. 

Treatment options may include:

• Medication
• Dietary changes
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Using a sling to support the bladder 
• Surgical repair of the urethra or bladder
• Using Botox injections to reduce bladder spasms

Why You Should See a Urologist for Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a complex issue, and many general healthcare providers like primary care doctors don’t have a lot of experience in treating it which is why you need a urologist. A urologist specializes in the urinary tract and disorders that affect that area, so they can offer you the best care possible. 

A urologist can help you find the treatment option that’s best for your specific needs. If you or a loved one is suffering from urinary incontinence, you should see a urologist for an evaluation and treatment options.

The Conclusion? If You’re Struggling with Urinary Incontinence, You Need to Make an Appointment with Z Urology!

Getting treatment for urinary incontinence can help you reduce your symptoms and feel better. When you have urinary incontinence, a urologist is the best person to see for treatment. 

Z Urology is one of the most highly respected urology clinics in South Florida. Our urologists are known for their compassionate care and attention to detail. There’s no reason to keep suffering from urinary incontinence when assistance and relief are one phone call away. 

Life can be hard, and having urinary incontinence makes it even harder, but you don’t have to let it persist. When you make an appointment with us, we’ll go over your symptoms and generate a detailed treatment plan. 

Need treatment for urinary incontinence in South Florida? Call Z Urology and make an appointment!

We can’t wait to hear from you!