There are different types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence.
Stress incontinence happens when urine leaks as pressure is put on the bladder. Pressure may occur during exercise, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. Stress incontinence is the most common type of bladder control problem in younger and middle-age women.
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 restroom.
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 toilet because of arthritis or a disorder that makes it hard to move quickly.
There are signs and symptoms to look for with urinary incontinence. Bladder muscles can become weak or they can become overactive. Sometimes there is damage to nerves that control the bladder. There may be a blockage of the prostate.
Besides bladder control training, you will want to talk with your doctor about other ways to help manage incontinence. Some drugs can help the bladder empty more fully during urination. Other drugs tighten muscles and can lessen leakage.
The doctor may inject a substance that thickens the area around the urethra to help close the bladder opening. This reduces stress incontinence in women, however may need to be repeated.
Surgery can sometimes improve incontinence if incontinence is caused by a change in the position of the bladder or blockage due to an enlarged prostate. Remember that under a doctor's care incontinence can be treated and managed effectively.
For more information about urinary incontinence or to make an appointment with Dr. Michael Norman, visit www.choicemg.com or call 760-242-7777.