Urinary incontinence is a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate. This condition can develop for various reasons, but most cases are not severe and can be successfully treated. A consultation with a doctor helps determine the exact cause of urinary incontinence and select the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual.
What are the causes of urinary incontinence?
- Urinary tract infection;
- Overactive bladder;
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia;
- Prostatitis;
- Vaginal inflammation;
- Bladder inflammation;
- Menopause;
- Diabetes.
Other factors may also contribute to urinary incontinence:
- Use of diuretics;
- Consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages;
- Smoking;
- Obesity;
- Uterine prolapse.
How does a doctor diagnose the cause of urinary incontinence?
- To diagnose urinary incontinence, the doctor asks about bothersome symptoms and past medical history and performs a physical examination;
- Laboratory tests: complete blood count, urinalysis, and urine culture;
- Ultrasound: to assess the condition of the urinary tract and pelvic organs;
- Urodynamic testing: to evaluate bladder function;
- Cystoscopy: an endoscopic examination that allows for a direct view of the inside of the bladder and urethra.
What are the treatment options for urinary incontinence?
- Lifestyle changes—symptoms may be alleviated by limiting fluid intake, avoiding beverages containing alcohol and caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks), quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight;
- Bladder training—recommended Avoid letting your bladder become too full—go to the bathroom at set times, such as every two hours, even if you don’t feel a strong urge to urinate at that moment;
- Kegel exercises—these exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and help you better control urination;
- Medications – may be used to treat various causes of urinary incontinence. Depending on the situation, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection or alpha-blockers to relax the prostate muscles;
- Medical procedures—depending on the cause of urinary incontinence, various procedures may be recommended: temporary or permanent use of a urinary catheter, botulinum toxin injections into the bladder, functional electrical (nerve) stimulation to treat an overactive bladder, as well as procedures designed to reduce the size of the prostate.
What are the possible complications if urinary incontinence is left untreated?
The consequences of untreated urinary incontinence depend on its cause, but over time, symptoms often worsen and may become chronic. Untreated urinary tract infections can progress and spread to the upper urinary tract, kidneys, or prostate. In rare but severe cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis—a life-threatening condition.
When should I be concerned and see a doctor about urinary incontinence?
- You have signs of an infection (fever, chills, flank pain, bloody urine, cloudy urine);
- You often feel very tired;
- You are experiencing unexplained weight loss;
- You are feeling increased hunger or thirst.
