The loss of bladder control—incidences of accidental or involuntary urine leakage—is termed urinary incontinence. The severity of the problem ranges from leaking urine when you sneeze or cough to a sudden and strong urge to urinate at any time.
This widely prevalent problem, once considered to be only found in older people, is in fact not age related. It can affect younger people’s daily lives. Statistics suggest that more than 40% of women aged 30–35 suffer from urinary incontinence. Contrary to popular opinion, urinary incontinence is not a disease; it is a symptom that is caused by daily habits, physical problems or underlying medical conditions. Read on to learn which type of urinary incontinence you have and how to manage it.
Temporary Urinary Incontinence
Temporary urinary incontinence is mostly due to daily habits and can be addressed with simple lifestyle changes. The most common causes include:
- Certain foods, beverages and some medications stimulate the bladder—such as alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, heart-and-blood-pressure medications, muscle relaxants and chili peppers. Limiting the consumption of these things can help you.
- Temporary urinary incontinence can also be caused by easily treatable medical conditions like urinary tract infection and constipation.
Persistent Urinary Incontinence
Persistent urinary incontinence often results from physical conditions. Seeking medical advice early can also help detect underlying illnesses in time. The following are some of the most common causes –
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause.
- A tumour in your urinary tract can also affect the normal urine flow.
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke.
- Pelvic-floor muscle weakening during childbirth.
Also read: Myths Around Urinary Incontinence
Suffering from Urinary Incontinence? Make Lifestyle Changes and Seek Medical Help
People shy away from acknowledging urinary incontinence as a problem or seeking help for it even though it interferes with daily activities and might also become embarrassing in social settings. If you are suffering from urinary incontinence, don’t feel shy or embarrassed in talking to a doctor about it; seeking prompt medical advice can help manage symptoms and restore daily comfort.
Apart from seeking medical attention, you can also take certain steps yourself, like –
- Buy Incontinence Panties – There’s no wrong age to use them. If leaks affect your life, switching can help you stay dry and confident. They keep you dry and odour-free from leaks and boost your confidence and self-esteem as well.
- Start Kegel Exercises – Repeatedly contract and relax your pelvic-floor muscles to strengthen them and improve bladder control. Doing these exercises regularly can help you in controlling and preventing urinary incontinence.
- Limit Stimulating Foods – Limiting the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and carbonated drinks would help in preventing urinary incontinence.
Don’t shy away—take charge of your life, make lifestyle changes and consult a urologist who can help you solve this issue!
