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Urinary Incontinence

urinincont

Do you find yourself rushing to the bathroom frequently or waking up to go to the bathroom? If so, you may have a problem with bladder control, also called urinary incontinence. Although this can happen to anyone, it becomes more common with age.

There is help if this problem is happening to you. Under a provider's care, incontinence can be treated and often cured. Talk to your provider about what you can do.

  • Stress incontinence happens when urine leaks as pressure is put on the bladder. This can happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise. It's the most common type of bladder control problem in younger and middle-aged women. It may also begin around the time of menopause.
  • Urge incontinence happens when people have a sudden need to urinate and are not able to hold their urine long enough to get to the bathroom in time. It is often, but not only, a problem for people who have diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis or have had a stroke.
  • Overflow incontinence happens when small amounts of urine leak from a bladder that is always full. A man can have trouble emptying his bladder if an enlarged prostate is blocking the urethra.
  • Functional incontinence happens in many older people who have normal bladder control. They just have a problem getting to the bathroom because of arthritis or other disorders that make it hard to move quickly.

Today, there are more treatments for urinary incontinence than ever before. The choice of treatment depends on the type of bladder control problem you have, how serious it is and what best fits your lifestyle. Options may include:

  • Bladder training
  • Exercises
  • Medication
  • Surgery

Even if treatment is not fully successful, careful management can help you feel more relaxed and confident.