Urinary Incontinence
What Is Urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the unintentional loss of urine. UI is
a problem for more than 17 million Americans - 85 percent of them
women. Although about half of the elderly have episodes of
incontinence, bladder problems are not a natural consequence of
aging, and they are not exclusively a problem of the elderly.
Although UI can be improved in 8 out of 10 cases, fewer than half of
those with bladder problems ever discuss the condition with their
health care professional. The disorder, therefore, often goes
untreated.
UI is also referred to as bladder incontinence.
What are causes of UI?
UI has a number of causes. Women are most likely to develop
incontinence either during pregnancy and childbirth, or after the
hormonal changes of menopause, because of weakened pelvic muscles.
Older men can become incontinent as the result of prostate surgery.
Pelvic trauma, spinal cord damage, caffeine, or medications,
including cold preparations and diet drugs that are available over-the-counter, can also cause episodes of UI.
Diseases which affect the nerves that control the bladder, such as
multiple sclerosis, can be associated with UI.
Other factors that contribute to bladder incontinence include
decreased mobility or impaired thinking (such as forgetfulness, confusion, or senility),
particularly in combination with drugs such as sedatives, sleeping
pills, and alcohol.
Next: What are the types of UI? »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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