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Urinary incontinence in women is a common condition. It refers to the unintentional leakage of urine, whether a few drops or a significant loss. It occurs due to weakness in the muscles that support the bladder or issues with the urinary sphincters. This condition may be embarrassing and affect the overall quality of life.
Here, we’ll explain urinary incontinence, its symptoms, causes, treatments and more.
Urinary incontinence in women can occur at any age but is most common after childbirth or menopause. This condition refers to involuntary urine leakage–loss of bladder control, varying from minor drops to a significant loss. Bladder control is lost when the pelvic floor muscles weaken, or the urinary sphincters (a ring of muscle around the urethral openings) are compromised. The bladder may become easily irritable or overactive.
Women face this condition due to ageing, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and other lifestyle factors. Urinary incontinence manifests in various forms.
The types of urinary incontinence in women are:
This form of urinary incontinence is when pee leaks during activities that pressure the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
As the name suggests, this type occurs when you have a sudden and intense urge to pee, leading to leakage before you reach the bathroom. It is also known as ‘overactive bladder.’ A change in position or sexual activity may trigger the urge.
It occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty. It leads to frequent or constant dribbling of urine.
Mixed urinary incontinence results from stress and urge incontinence. Most women have a mixed picture and may have symptoms of both these types. This means a woman may experience pee leakage due to coughing, sneezing, or a sudden urge to urinate.
Symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) include:
You may leak urine during everyday activities, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or bending. You may also leak urine without warning or urge.
You may feel the need to urinate more often or urgently, or you may feel like you need to go again right after you’ve just been.
You may feel like you haven’t completely emptied your bladder after urinating.
You may wet your bed during sleep due to compromised bladder control.
You may experience a slow stream of urine, straining to pass urine or stopping and starting as you pass urine. You may also experience a constant feeling of wetness without sensation of urine leakage.
Weakness in pelvic floor muscles is seen with age, decreasing bladder and urinary sphincter control.
The physical stress on the bladder & pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy & delivery weakens the control.
Hormonal changes during menopause may reduce the elasticity and strength of pelvic muscles, leading to compromised bladder control
Excess weight pressurises bladder & pelvic floor, leading to incontinence.
Chronic coughing Conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease may affect nerve signals and bladder control.
Caring for yourself while you have urinary incontinence may help manage the symptoms and improve your well-being.
Work on your Pelvic Floor Muscles: To improve your bladder control, strengthen your muscles with pelvic floor exercises, especially Kegel exercises.
Train your Bladder: Schedule your bathroom visits. Then, gradually increase the time between bathroom visits and resist the urge to urinate until your scheduled time.
Avoid Bladder Irritants: Avoid excessive intake of alcohol, caffeine, or spicy food as they irritate the bladder, leading to urgency.
Manage your Weight: Make conscious efforts to manage your weight so that you don’t put extra pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
Take your Medication: If your doctor has prescribed medications to manage urinary incontinence, take them on time and regularly.
Use Medication Support Devices: Specific devices, like a pessary, can support the bladder and help manage stress incontinence effectively. Consult your doctor if you consider using them.
Use Absorbent Products: Use products like pads, liners, or specialised underwear that absorb the pee leakage to promote comfort.
Stay in Touch with Your Healthcare Provider: Consult and stay in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss any changes in your symptoms and treatment options, such as medications, physical therapy, or surgery if needed.
We are committed to providing the best urinary incontinence in Bradford. Under the guidance of our experienced Surgical and aesthetic practitioner, Dr Qureshi, we ensure you receive the perfect optimal and personalised treatment for your needs. Our honest, professional, and clear advice keeps our clients coming back.
Weakness or dysfunction in pelvic floor, or the tissues controlling the flow of urine, are the primary causes of urinary incontinence.
Early signs of urinary incontinence include urine leakage when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, a sudden and strong urge to urinate that can’t be controlled, and frequent trips to the bathroom. You may also notice small amounts of urine leakage during physical activities like running or lifting.
Long-term complications of urinary incontinence may include:
Yes, urinary incontinence does affect men, though it’s more common in women. In men, it can be related to prostate issues, such as an enlarged prostate or after prostate surgery.
Your doctor may diagnose urinary incontinence with:
You may reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, practising pelvic floor exercises, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, and not smoking.
EmpowerRF treatment helps urinary incontinence by using radiofrequency energy to tighten pelvic floor muscles and support the bladder. This procedure boosts collagen, improves muscle tone, and reduces urine leakage.
Meet our best Urinary Incontinence Treatment doctors in Bradford at MySkyn Clinic. Our expert team is committed to helping you achieve optimal results, ensuring you feel confident every step of the way.
