Urinary incontinence is the medical term for a loss of bladder control, and it can involve a small amount of urine leakage from the bladder or a complete loss of the ability to retain urine. Bladder control problems are more common in women than in men. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 50 percent of all adult women have experienced some degree of urinary incontinence and for some, it is an ongoing problem.
Types
Urge incontinence and overactive bladder are the result of faulty nerve signals that make the bladder release its contents inappropriately. Overactive bladder results in a release without warning, while urge incontinence often is triggered by the sound of running water or drinking a tiny bit of water. Stress incontinence occurs because of actions that put pressure on the bladder, such as laughing or coughing. Functional incontinence frequently happens in older people who cannot make it to a bathroom quickly due to other medical or physical issues. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder becomes too full, and some urine leaks out.
Causes
The underlying cause of all bladder control problems is an issue with the muscles or nerves that surround the bladder. Pregnancy and childbirth weaken the muscles around the bladder and can lead to urinary incontinence. The drop in estrogen levels just before a woman's menstrual period begins can also affect the bladder muscles and make bladder control more difficult at that time. Some diseases can cause incontinence, including uncontrolled diabetes, hyperthyroidism, stroke and Parkinson's disease. Stress and anxiety can also lead to a loss of bladder control.
Diagnosis
Part of finding a solution to bladder control problems is to determine the type and cause of the problem. A doctor will typically investigate the pattern of urine loss and order one or more tests to look for physical problems. Some of these tests include urinalysis to look at the content of urine produced, a bladder stress test to watch for leakage and ultrasound, or a cytoscopy to look directly at the bladder either through a sonogram or a tiny camera inserted through a tube into the bladder.
Treatment
No medications have been approved for the treatment of urinary incontinence, but other methods of treatment are available. Pessaries worn in the vagina can help support the bladder and prevent leakage. Electrical stimulation of the nerves leading to the bladder is another technique that may help some women. Surgery or catheterization, the insertion of a catheter into the bladder, may help some types of bladder control problems.
Lifestyle
Before resorting to medication, surgery or other medical methods for treating loss of bladder control, some women choose to try lifestyle changes that may affect the bladder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles help many women gain better bladder control. Changing the diet to avoid any foods that may irritate the bladder and planning frequent bathroom trips before leakage occurs are other strategies for avoiding a loss of bladder control.
