Living with Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI), also known as the loss of bladder control, is most common in women over the age of 50. Urinary incontinence can be temporary in response to a medication or medical condition or the body’s inevitable response to aging.

Most sufferers of urinary incontinence experience a small to moderate leak of urine, but the condition can worsen and affect everyday life activities. The sometimes-embarrassing problem can be a burden and difficult to get a handle on.

Types of urinary incontinence include:

• Urgency – A sudden intense urge to urinate and the involuntary loss of urine. This type may be caused by an infection or conditions such as diabetes or a neurological disorder.
• Overflow – Frequent dribbling of urine due to your bladder not emptying completely.
• Stress – The most common type of urinary incontinence. Symptoms include urine leaks when coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting.
• Functional – The inability to make it to the toilet in time. This can be caused by a physical or mental impairment such as arthritis.

The discomfort of urinary incontinence can be managed through behavioral or pelvic muscle therapies, diet modification such as reducing caffeine and alcohol, surgery, or medication.

Discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider to determine your best treatment plan. To find a Complete Health primary care location nearest you, visit www.completehealth.com.