Every year, 25 million Americans are affected by incontinence or involuntary loss of bladder and/or bowel control. Both men and women, young and old, may experience some form of incontinence that can make them feel ashamed and isolated.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence – Involuntary loss of urine during laughter, sneezing, lifting or any movement that increases pressure on your bladder.
Urge Urinary Incontinence – Urine may be leaked due to the sudden and frequent need to urinate even when the bladder is not full. Some people need to go to the bathroom frequently – more than 7 times during the day and more than once a night. Others experience a very strong urge to use the toilet without advanced warning. At times, the urge can be so strong that they are unable to delay passing urine long enough to reach the toilet.
Mixed Incontinence – When an individual has symptoms of both stress and urge urinary incontinence.
Overflow Incontinence – Leakage of urine occurs as a result of the bladder not emptying properly. Overtime, large quantities of urine are stored, causing the bladder to overflow. This type is more common in men and is often associated with an enlarged prostrate blocking the bladder opening.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is not a disease, it is a symptom. It can be caused by everyday habits, underlying medical conditions or physical problems. A thorough evaluation by your physician can help determine what is behind the incontinence.
Temporary urinary incontinence can be caused by certain drinks, foods and medications that may act as diuretics (stimulate your bladder and increase your volume of urine). Examples include: alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, heart and blood pressure medication, sedatives, muscle relaxers as well as large doses of Vitamin C.
Urinary incontinence may also be caused by easily treatable medical conditions such as urinary tract infections and constipation.
Persistent urinary incontinence is caused by underlying physical problems or changes including: pregnancy, childbirth, changes with age, menopause, hysterectomy, enlarged prostrate or prostrate cancer.
How is Incontinence Treated?
There are a range of treatment options available for urinary incontinence. The most appropriate treatment will depend upon several different factors. Treatment can generally be divided into two types, non-surgical (physical therapy, prescribed medication) and surgical.
How can physical therapy be helpful?
Physical therapy can be a great solution to help you improve or resolve urinary incontinence issues. Therapy for incontinence consists of exercises to improve strength, stability, endurance and control of the pelvic floor, hips and core. Along with exercise, there is education and discussion around dietary modifications, lifestyle and habitual training. A physical therapist will help design an exercise and management program tailored to fit your needs and abilities.
If you have any questions concerning urinary incontinence issues, please contact Live in Motion Physical Therapy Specialists at 701-651-4325.
About the Author:
Krista Becker, PT, MPT
Krista is a western North Dakota native. She holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Mary. For the last 12 years, her career has focused on outpatient orthopedics and geriatrics with a special interest and additional training in women’s health.