Do you pee a little when you cough or sneeze? Do you find yourself running to the bathroom because you suddenly have to go? You could be male or female, but the cause is the same: urinary incontinence. Here are the main signs you have trouble with bladder control and then what to do.
Types Of Urinary Incontinence
It doesn’t really matter which type of incontinence you have, many of the symptoms are similar, and you feel embarrassed.
Stress incontinence is marked by little to no forewarning of any leakage. It occurs with certain behaviors like sneezing, lifting something heavy, coughing, or laughing. It happens due to muscle contractions of the bladder. It is common in young and middle-aged women. When you are young it can be from childbirth and the weakness in the pelvic floor muscles. As women get older, it can develop after menopause.
Urge incontinence is marked by a definite feeling that you need to pee, but you no longer can control it before reaching a bathroom. This type is common in people with chronic diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s.
Other types include the following:
- Mixed incontinence is when someone has more than one type
- Overflow is when someone is unable to empty their bladder, and overflow occurs when new urine is produced.
- Functional incontinence refers to those who are older or disabled and they cannot physically get to a bathroom in time.
- Nocturia refers to urinating several times at night. This is usually men and women over the age of 60, and with men it can be due to an enlarged prostate.
Some Causes Of Urinary Incontinence
Sometimes trouble with bladder control is temporary and is a result of a urinary tract infection, constipation, or certain medications.
In Men
With men, there are several issues that cause urinary incontinence. An enlarged prostate gland will lead to urinary incontinence. In fact, 50% of men over 60 are affected and 90% over 85.
Peyronie’s disease is another cause of UI. This is an abnormal penile curvature.
Inflammation of the prostate can also cause urinary incontinence.
In Women
Women are affected due to pelvic organ prolapse or collapse of organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum fall into the vaginal canal.
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause urinary incontinence.
More than 50% of post-menopausal women have UI.
When To See Southland Urology For Trouble With Bladder Control
Make an appointment at our office in Orange County, CA if urinary incontinence is affecting your quality of life and it is becoming more frequent. Southland Urology can provide treatments and advice on making some changes in your lifestyle to reduce the symptoms. This is extremely important if you are older and rushing to get to the bathroom as falls can occur.
Contact Southland Urology at (714) 870-5970 if you are experiencing more frequent episodes of urinary incontinence and trouble with bladder control.