Urinary incontinence is the loss of voluntary bladder control leading to urine leakage. It can be temporary or chronic (lasts for a long time). Incontinence is a symptom, not a condition in and of itself.
Temporary incontinence can be caused by:
More permanent urinary incontinence may be one of four types. Some people have a mixture of these types. In some cases, incontinence may have several different causes. The cause may also be unclear.
This results when certain activities lead to increased pressure on the bladder. Triggers may be laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects , or exercise. This is the most common type of incontinence. It may be caused by:
Urge incontinence is a loss of bladder control following a strong urge to urinate. The person is not able to hold urine long enough to make it to a restroom. This is also known as overactive bladder. It may be caused or worsened by:
This occurs when the bladder will not empty. Urine builds up, and this causes an overflow and leaking of urine. It may be caused by:
This occurs when there is normal bladder control, but an inability to reach the toilet in time. An example would be severe arthritis . Drugs that cause confusion or sedation can also cause functional incontinence.
These risk factors increase your chance of developing urinary incontinence. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
Urinary incontinence is a symptom of other conditions. Any loss of bladder control can be considered incontinence.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will be asked how often you empty your bladder and patterns of urine leakage. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for any physical causes, such as blockages or nerve problems. You will keep a diary of your bladder habits. You may be referred to a urologist or a urogynecologist.
Tests may include:
Treatments may include:
Behavioral therapy includes:
If you are a woman who is overweight or obese, losing weight may help to reduce the number of episodes due to stress or urge incontinence. Talk to your doctor about a weight loss program that is right for you.
Medicines may be prescribed to relax the bladder muscles. These types of medicines, called anticholinergics, are often used in treating urge incontinence. Examples include:
Nerve stimulation is effective for urge urinary incontinence. It can be done by stimulating a nerve in your ankle. Or, it can be done by implanting a device that stimulates the bladder nerves.
In women, surgery can repair weakened muscles related to bladder function. Other procedures involve collagen injections into the urethra. The bladder sphincter can be repaired or implants can be inserted.
Absorbent diapers are often used with incontinence.
Plugs and patches that hold urine in place are available for women. Catheters are sometimes used to treat more severe cases. Alternatively, pessaries may be used in women. Pessaries are devices that raise the uterus or the prolapsed bladder. This decreases pressure on the bladder.
Incontinence is really a symptom of another condition. There are several ways to prevent incontinence:
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/
Urology Health
http://www.urologyhealth.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
American Foundation for Urologic Disease website. Available at: http://www.auafoundation.org/ . Accessed July 19, 2008.
Controlling urinary incontinence. FDA Consumer Magazine, United States Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/505_incontinence.html . Published September-October 2005. Accessed July 19, 2008.
Corcos J, Gajewski J, Heritz D, et al. Canadian Urological Association guidelines on urinary incontinence. Can J Urol . 2006;13:3127-3138.
Norton P, Brubaker L. Urinary incontinence in women. Lancet . 2006;367:57-67.
Overactive bladder. American Urological Association Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org . Updated July 2009. Accessed October 31, 2009.
Overactive bladder treatment. National Association for Continence website. Available at: http://www.nafc.org . Updated July 2009. Accessed November 2, 2009.
Sobhgol SS, Charandabee SM. Related factors of urge, stress, mixed urinary incontinence, and overactive bladder in reproductive age women in Tabriz, Iran: a cross-sectional study. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dys Function . 2008;19(3):367-373.
Surgical management of urinary incontinence. American Urological Association Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/ . Updated September 2003. Accessed October 31, 2009.
Urinary incontinence in women. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uiwomen/ . Published October 2007. Accessed July 19, 2008.
Wein A, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, Elsevier; 2007.
Wein AJ, Rackley RR. Overactive bladder: a better understanding of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. J Urol . 2006;175:S5-10.
2/5/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Subak L, Wing R, Smith West D, et al. Weight loss to treat urinary incontinence in overweight and obese women. N Engl J Med. 2009;360:481-490.
1/11/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: AHRQ evidence report on treatment for overactive bladder in women 2009. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/bladdertp.htm. Published August 2009. Accessed January 11, 2010.
3/5/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Vardy MD, Mitcheson HD, Samuels TA, et al. Effects of solifenacin on overactive bladder symptoms, symptom bother and other patient-reported outcomes: results from VIBRANT—a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Clin Pract. 2009;63(12):1702-1714.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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