 Urinary incontinence simply means leaking urine. It is the loss of bladder control. Incontinence can range from leaking just a few drops of urine to complete emptying of the bladder. It is a very common and often, embarrassing problem. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from occasionally leaking urine with a cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong that one cannot get to a toilet in time.
Types of urinary incontinence:
Stress Urinary Incontinence. Also known as SUI, this is leaking urine when coughing, laughing, or sneezing. Leaks also can happen when a woman walks, runs, or exercises.
Urge Urinary Incontinence. This is a sudden strong urge to urinate that is hard to stop. Women with this type of urinary incontinence may leak urine on the way to the bathroom. If you have an “overactive bladder”, it means that you have symptoms of urgency and frequency that may or may not include incontinence.
Mixed Urinary Incontinence. This combines symptoms of both stress urinary incontinence and urgency urinary incontinence.
It is common for other symptoms to occur along with urinary incontinence:
- Urgency - Having a strong urge to urinate
- Frequency - Urinating (or voiding) more often than what is usual
- Nocturia - Waking from sleep to urinate
- Dysuria - Painful urination
- Nocturnal enuresis - Leaking urine while sleeping
There are some non-surgical treatments to address urinary incontinence that have tremendously good results for those who can successfully implement them. After a physical examination, your therapist may suggest lifestyle changes, bladder training, and the use of certain bladder support devices. From dietary modifications to daily exercise, patients can have positive effects on their outcome regarding urinary incontinence.
With the right approach, support and treatment, physical therapy can help reduce pain, restore function, and provide you with the guidance and tools you need. Together, we can end the isolation you may feel and get you on a path to living better and enjoying life once again!
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