If you have ever leaked pee or had problems getting to the restroom fast, you are not alone! Urinary incontinence is a disorder that affects about half of all females at some time in their life. While this condition is sometimes unpleasant and stressful; thankfully, therapy could be effective. At Wellife Center, the experts provide patients with urine incontinence with a comprehensive array of treatment options, including exercise, lifestyle modifications, medication, and surgery. To help you better understand incontinence Sandy Springs, check out this post to learn about the primary forms of urine incontinence, including facts regarding its causes and how it is diagnosed and addressed.
Who Suffers From Incontinence?
Significantly more women than males suffer from urine incontinence. It is likely to occur during or following pregnancy, during hormonal fluctuations and pressure in the pelvic region disrupt the bladder’s capacity to function properly.
You could also experience urinary incontinence issues as you age. The hormonal fluctuations of age-related deterioration of the pelvic floor muscles and menopause might affect the bladder. Besides, medical concerns like persistent constipation, diabetes, and obesity might heighten the likelihood of incontinence.
Among the four primary forms of urinary incontinence include:
1. Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence develops whenever motion or activity induces urine loss. For instance, sneezing, coughing, and laughing may cause strain on the bladder, causing it to discharge urine. Physical exertion, including lifting, jogging, bending, dancing, or simply strolling, could result in stress incontinence.
In most cases, weakened pelvic floor muscles lead to stress incontinence. These muscles are responsible for holding your pelvic organs, including the bowel, uterus, and bladder.
2. Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder, often known as ‘urgent incontinence,’ happens whenever a person has a strong desire to urinate but cannot reach a toilet in time. Generally, this condition results from problems with the bladder’s muscles and nerves.
3. Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence is precisely what it seems like: a combination of two or more incontinence kinds. Often, women struggling with mixed incontinence suffer from overactive bladder and stress incontinence.
4. Overflow Incontinence
Once you have overflow incontinence, your bladder fails to empty after you urinate entirely. Consequently, your bladder quickly fills up again, which might result in leakage between toilet stops.
How To Diagnose Urinary Incontinence?
Suppose you are leaking pee or occasionally unable to reach the bathroom in time. In that case, you should see a doctor to determine the source of your incontinence and the most effective therapy. During your initial consultation, your doctor starts your visit by asking about your health records, lifestyle choices, and symptoms. Additionally, your physician may evaluate your prescriptions since certain medications might exacerbate incontinence.
If necessary, your doctor might request diagnostic tests, including imaging exams, bladder function tests, or blood tests, to understand more about your illness. Some adder function tests available at Wellife Center include urodynamic testing, cytograms, pelvic ultrasonography, and cystoscopy.
How To Treat Incontinence?
Once your doctor identifies the reasons for your incontinence, they will discuss a tailored care plan with you. For most women, basic Kegel exercises could enhance the pelvic floor muscles sufficiently to reverse incontinence. Your doctor could also suggest weight loss, stopping smoking, physical activity, and increasing fiber consumption to alleviate constipation or bladder training.
However, these simple procedures are not always effective. Thus, if your doctor determines that these procedures are insufficient, they may suggest medication or using pessaries, which are hard silicone devices put into the vagina to strengthen muscles, and any slipped pelvic organs.
There is no reason to stay silent if you are suffering from incontinence. At Wellife Center, you can access a host of safe, effective therapeutic options that could provide you lasting relief. Call the Sandy Springs, GA office or request an appointment online today to discuss your concerns and explore your care options.