Incontinence is defined as the involuntary (unintentional) loss of urine. It is a common symptom which affects all ages and there is a wide variation in the severity and nature of symptoms.
Although studies are often limited due to the reluctance of women to reveal their gynecologist to have loss of urine, in America fifteen million women face it! In general, we believe that the loss of urine ‘touching’ one in ten women under 60 years old and 3-4 women over 60 years.
Incontinence occurs when the urethra loses the support of the vaginal walls. The overactive bladder is closely related to incontinence, characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, insomnia due to the need to urinate at night, leakage of urine, even the ‘wetting’ of the bed …
An overactive bladder is often caused by ‘stones’; stones in the urinary bladder, a surgery or a neurological disease. Among the key risk factors for incontinence are also increased weight, smoking, pregnancy, stress and infections of the urinary bladder such as cystitis.
Apart from being a physical health problem may lead to emotional problems and mental health issues. Frequent urination can be a bothersome symptom. As a result, many women suffer from incontinence become socially ineffectual, abandoning their social activities, even stopping to socialize with other people.
Other factors that may cause or worsen incontinence is childbirth, with age and menopause can contribute to the problem. The vaginal birth can cause pelvic pressure because the fetal head displaces and stretches parts of the pelvic anatomy, the vaginal walls. With the onset of menopause women have estrogen deficiency, which thins the vaginal walls and hinders the proper closure of the urethral wall.
The first step to deal with it is to talk to your gynecologist. He will take a history of you, will exam you with some specific tests and then will show you the examinations to undergo (urine, Urodynamic control) to put the diagnosis and learn what type of incontinence you have! Knowing the type your gynecologist can give you the correct instructions, recommendations (weight loss, exercise your bladder with exercises) and show you how to deal appropriately with physiotherapy, pharmaceutical, behavioral changes and even surgery.
The most important message for women who suffer from any form of urinary incontinence is that in 80 to 90 percent of people can be significantly improved or even cured, do not be afraid and do not be shy, tell your doctor to help you!