Urinary incontinence: Types, factors and Ease

Most likely, you’ve heard of gynaecology and urology. But many people are unfamiliar with the medical speciality of urogynecology. Urogynecology, also known as female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS), is a subspecialty of OB/GYNs that focuses on pelvic floor disorders that are not life-threatening. Visit the best urologist in Punjab for the best treatment, that too at an affordable price. 

Nerves and muscles normally control your bladder. Incontinence occurs when nerves and muscles fail to function properly and urine leaks out.

In women, urinary incontinence is roughly twice as common as in men. Urinary incontinence can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, the weight of the fetus, and muscle weakness during childbirth. Incontinence can also be caused by hormonal changes during menopause, as well as neurological disorders. Furthermore, certain foods and medications can act as diuretics, resulting in temporary incontinence.

Factors of urinary incontinence:

1. Age
2. Obesity
3. Family history
4. Smoking. 

How many types of urinary incontinence exist:

• Urinary incontinence caused by stress: leakage while coughing, laughing, or sneezing. 
• Urge urinary incontinence: leakage caused by a strong desire to urinate (also called overactive bladder)
• Mixed urinary incontinence is characterised by a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
• Leakage caused by a neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, is referred to as neurogenic bladder leakage.
• Functional incontinence is leakage caused by mental status, which is frequently accompanied by fecal incontinence.

What a visit to a urogynecologist will look like:

1. When you first visit a urogynecologist, they will inquire about your medical history. They may also inquire about how frequently you use the restroom, how much water you drink, and whether you eat or drink any foods that irritate the bladder.
2. Urinary incontinence not only disrupts your personal life, but it can also cause skin irritation and rashes and increase your risk of urinary tract infections if left untreated.
3. When you are ready for assistance, a urogynecologist can provide treatment options to help you return to your normal life.

How to help?

1. Paying attention to the number of fluids you drink throughout the day, as well as the types of beverages you consume, may aid in the reduction of urinary incontinence. Drinking moderate amounts of liquids throughout the day and limiting liquid consumption before bedtime may be beneficial.
2. Kegels are exercises that help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which help control urination. Squeeze the muscles used to stop the flow of urine to perform Kegel exercises. Hold for 10 seconds before releasing. Each day, try to practice three or four sets of ten.
3. Certain aspects of your lifestyle can have an impact on urinary incontinence. Smoking can cause chronic coughing, which puts additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles. Obesity can also put a strain on the bladder.
4. A small neurotransmitter device called an InterStim can be implanted under the skin of the buttock area for some women to send mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerve, improving bladder control.

Final word:

This is not a serious disease but still one to not ignore. The best Urologist in Ludhiana would be the place to visit in this case.