What is Urinary Incontinence?

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Having urinary incontinence (the inability to control you bladder or leaking of urine) can be a very embarrassing problem.  If you suffer from urinary incontinence, you are not alone. Upwards of 40% of women suffer from incontinence and over 40 million people have suffered incontinence within the past year.

Urinary incontinence is a symptom of a physical problem or underlying medical condition known or unknown. A doctor can complete a thorough investigation of your physical or medical condition to determine the underlying cause of incontinence.

Many substances, foods, and medications can stimulate your bladder and cause incontinence to the user.

These foods include:

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Caffeinated Beverage and caffeine
• Decaffeinated coffee and tea
• Artificial sweeteners
• Drinks that are carbonated
• High fructose corn syrup
• Spicy, sugary or acidic foods such as citrus fruits
• Blood Pressure or Hearth mediations
• Sedatives
• Muscle relaxers
• Certain vitamins

In addition to the foods and substances listed above, urinary incontinence may be a symptom of a medical condition that may or may not be easily treatable and is dependent on the specifics of the medical condition.

Medical conditions that can cause urinary incontinence are:

• Urinary Tract Infections – This can irritate the bladder, cause strong urges to urinate and generally include a burning sensation.
• Constipation – Having a build up of stool near the same nerves that control the bladder may cause incontinence due to overstimulation.
• Pregnancy and Childbirth – Vaginal muscles may be weakened and hormonal changes can contribute to incontinence.
• Menopause and Age Change – As one ages, the nerves and cells surrounding the bladder also age and may not function as before causing incontinence.
• Enlarged Prostate – Generally seen in older men, the enlargement of the prostate gland may cause incontinence.
• Hysterectomy – Surgery may damage the muscles that are used to control the release of urine.

If you suffer from incontinence, speak to one of our laser spa therapy specialists today about the options of treatment we have available to help you.

Visit the blog page for more information