Incontinence

Uncontrolled loss of urine.

Urge incontinence: Inability to hold urine.

Stress incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine during sneezing, coughing, laughing, or other physical exercise.

Flow incontinence: Inability to empty the bladder.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is mainly by medical history and symptoms. It is very important to note everything you feel during the condition. First rule out the possibility of UTI or Glucosuria before conducting other investigations.

Treatment:

• Proper bladder habits: This can be achieved by practicing not to go to the toilet "just in case" or holding back for too long.
• Pelvic floor exercises or physiotherapy with weighted vaginal cones.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake.
• Maintain ideal body weight.
• Electrical stimulation can be used to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
• Some oral medication such as Imipramine may help.
• Surgical procedures are varied and depend on the need. Nowadays many new surgical procedures are available which are minimal invasive and yet very effective and require shorter time to recover.

Note:

• Please remember, the earlier action you take the faster and better you recover. Initial treatment can be made effective by just monitoring your fluid intake and bladder habits while later treatments can be very painful surgical processes not yielding total cure.
• Prevention is better than cure. Incontinence is one of the most common diseases of the urinary system in men and women. Good bladder habits and proper fluid intake can save you from this condition.
• This condition can be developed as a side effect of some medication as well.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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