Dealing with urinary incontinence is embarrassing and limiting to your lifestyle. While it’s a difficult condition to deal with, there are options to restore your quality of life and identify any underlying issues contributing to the condition. Dr. Essam Taymour of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group in Long Beach, California, provides women with excellent medical care for incontinence issues. Contact the office to schedule your initial evaluation and take back control of your bladder today.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence relates to the leakage of urine, a common condition affecting both males and females. For women, who are more likely to struggle with frequent incontinence, a number of female-related factors may have contributed to the development of incontinence, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Aging
- Menopause
- Urinary tract infections
- Constipation
- Hysterectomy
- Neurological disorders
- Obstructions
Certain medications, food, or drinks could temporarily cause urinary incontinence. These can overstimulate the bladder, causing excessive urine leakage.
There are also a few different types of incontinence:
- Urge: the sudden, immediate urge to urinate, leading to leakage
- Stress: leakage of urine when pressure is placed on the bladder due to coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
- Overflow: a frequent feeling of having to urinate when the bladder doesn’t empty completely
What are the risks of developing urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is often a natural part of the aging process. As we get older, our muscle control weakens, and changes in the bladder reduce the amount of fluids your bladder can hold. Women are especially at risk for developing incontinence due to the physical changes of the body occurring during pregnancy and childbirth.
There are additional factors that may influence your development of urinary incontinence, including:
Family history
Close family members with a history of incontinence may put you at higher risk for developing the condition.
Being overweight
Added weight increases the pressure on the bladder, weakening the surrounding muscles. The extra pressure forces urine out of the body during a sneeze or a laugh.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco has been shown to increase risks of incontinence.
Medical conditions
Diabetes and other medical issues may increase your risk for developing incontinence.
What are the complications of urinary incontinence?
When you have trouble controlling your bladder, accidents happen. This can have a significant effect on your personal life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional health issues.
You may also be at higher risk of developing frequent urinary tract infections and experiencing skin rashes and infections caused by constant contact with urine.
There are treatments available to encourage bladder control and regain your quality of life. Exercises, medications, and minimally-invasive surgical procedures can help treat the conditions causing urinary incontinence.
Dr. Taymour of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group are experienced in female incontinence issues and are here to support you through diagnosis and treatment. Give the office a call today to schedule your appointment and learn more about managing incontinence, or schedule your appointment online anytime.