Female Incontinence

Incontinence is characterized as involuntary loss of urine, which results in leakage and bed-wetting accidents because the people who have it cannot control when they have to go to the bathroom. Incontinence affects millions of people daily; however, about 80% of these people are females. This disorder can go untreated due to the embarrassment factor it undoubtedly has. 

You may be seeking information on urinary incontinence if you are reading this. Many people find it difficult to go out because of this condition. It is not a life-threatening disease, but the social stigma makes things tough for those suffering from it. It commonly occurs in older adults and women who have recently delivered their babies. If you are experiencing issues related to urination or leakage of urine, read on to know about the measures that will help you get over this phase naturally.

What is urinary Incontinence?

Urinary Incontinence is the medical term to describe the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a condition that affects many people, and it is estimated that around 30% of adult women and 10% of adult men experience some form of urinary Incontinence. Urinary Incontinence is divided into two categories:

 - Urgency - Urgency incontinence refers to emptying the bladder quickly because of a risk of leakage. Urinary Incontinence is not always linked to a weakness of the bladder muscles; it can also be caused due to diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

-Urinary Retention - Urinary retention refers to the inability to empty the bladder. Many people with Urinary Retention have Urge Incontinence too. You may also hear people with Urinary Retention referred to as having "fecal urgency" because of the link with the need to empty the bowels.

Types of Urinary Incontinence in women: 

Many people have minor urine leaks from time to time. Others may experience more frequent loss of modest to moderate quantities of pee.

Urinary incontinence can be classified into the following types:

• Incontinence due to stress. When you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting anything heavy, urine spills.
• Urge urinary incontinence. You feel an unexpected, sudden, overwhelming need to urinate accompanied by the uncontrollable release of urine. You might have to get up and urinate, even in the middle of the night. Causes of urge incontinence vary from mild infections to severe neurological disorders and even diabetes.
• Incontinence due to overflow. You have frequent or continual pee dribbling due to a bladder that is not empty.
• Functional incontinence. You cannot use the restroom due to a physical or mental handicap. For example, if you have severe arthritis, you may not be able to unbutton your jeans quickly enough.
• Mixed Incontinence. It can occur in a few different forms, the most common of which are stress and urge incontinence, both of which you suffer from.

Causes of female incontinence:

Everyday habits, underlying medical disorders, or physical problems can contribute to urinary incontinence. A comprehensive examination by your doctor might assist in determining the cause of your incontinence.

Urinary incontinence (temporary)

Certain beverages, meals, and drugs can function as diuretics, activating your bladder and increasing the volume of pee you produce, such as coffee, alcohol, etc.

Other causes include UTIs (Urinary tract infections) and constipation.

Persistent Urinary Incontinence can occur due to the following:

Pregnancy. Stress incontinence can be caused by hormonal changes and the increased weight of the fetus.

Childbirth. Vaginal birth can impair bladder control muscles and injure bladder nerves and supporting tissue, resulting in a lowered (prolapsed) pelvic floor. Prolapse occurs when the bladder, uterus, rectum, or small intestine are forced downward from their normal position and protrude into the vagina. Incontinence may be connected with such protrusions.

Age-related changes. The bladder's capacity to hold urine might be reduced as the bladder muscle ages. In addition, as you become older, involuntary bladder contractions become more common.

Menopause. Women produce less estrogen after menopause, a hormone that aids the health of the bladder and urethra linings. The deterioration of these tissues can exacerbate incontinence.

Prostate enlargement. Incontinence is frequently caused by enlargement of the prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, especially in older men.

Cancer of the prostate. Stress or urge incontinence in men has been linked to untreated prostate cancer. Incontinence is, more often than not, a side effect of prostate cancer therapies.

Obstruction. A tumor in the urinary system can obstruct normal pee flow, resulting in overflow incontinence. Urinary stones, which are challenging, stonelike masses that grow in the bladder, can occasionally cause urine leakage.

Neurological conditions. Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, a stroke, a brain tumor, or a spinal injury can all cause urine incontinence by interfering with nerve signals in bladder control.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through questions and a physical exam. One of the more common treatments is Kegel pelvic floor exercises, which strengthen the muscles during urination; however, these exercises should be done regardless of whether you are a woman. Surgery is also an option in the case of stress; medications that can help an overactive bladder are also used to calm the bladder. 

Lifestyle changes

- Dietary Changes: - Dietary changes can play an important role in treating Urinary Incontinence. Individuals with Incontinence must consume foods rich in fiber and water to keep their digestive system fit and healthy. Some examples are oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and vegetables. Suppose you have Urinary Incontinence caused due to Urge Incontinence. In that case, it is best to start with soluble fiber since it is easily digestible and helps slow down the transit time in the digestive system.

- Exercise - Physical activity is essential to stay fit and healthy. Choosing the proper exercise according to your body type and condition is necessary. Exercises that can help in strengthening the pelvic muscles are Kegel Exercises, Yoga, and brisk walking.

- Rest - Rest is an essential part of any treatment process. Resting your body increases the blood flow to the affected areas, which in turn helps in healing faster.

Diet and nutrition

- Healthy Diet - A healthy diet must treat Urinary Incontinence. It is recommended to consume foods rich in dietary fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Dietary fiber and magnesium help strengthen the muscles, and Vitamin B6 helps regulate the hormones responsible for bladder functioning. Some dietary fiber-rich foods recommended for Urinary Incontinence are apples, almonds, oats, and bran cereal.

- Foods to Avoid - Alcohol, coffee, and carbonated drinks can aggravate Urinary Incontinence and should be avoided during treatment.

Yoga for Urinary Incontinence

Yoga is a traditional exercise that is highly beneficial to overall health. It also reduces stress and anxiety, improves digestion, and keeps the body hydrated. Certain asanas can help in treating Urinary Incontinence include Bhujangasana, Padmasana, Bidalasana, and Ardha Chandrasana.

• When you perform the Bhujangasana, it helps strengthen the lower abdominal muscles, which can help reduce Urinary Incontinence.
• The Padmasana helps reduce stress and anxiety associated with Urinary Incontinence.
• Bidalasana and Ardha Chandrasana help increase blood flow to the pelvic and abdominal regions, which is helpful for Urinary Incontinence.

Which herbs can help?

Several herbs help treat Urinary Incontinence. They are:

Red Raspberry - Red raspberry helps reduce Urinary Incontinence caused due to Urge Incontinence.

Black Bearberry – Black bearberry is helpful in treating Urge Incontinence and Urinary Retention caused due to benign prostate enlargement.

Corn silk – Corn silk helps treat Urinary Incontinence caused due to Urge Incontinence.

Cascara sagrada – Cascara sagrada helps treat Urge Incontinence, and Urinary Retention caused due to benign prostate enlargement.

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are great for improving the strength of your pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for controlling and regulating the bladder. This exercise is also helpful in treating Urinary Incontinence caused due to Urinary Retention. Make sure to perform these exercises twice a day and increase the number of repetitions once you feel the exercise is getting easier. Squeeze the pelvic floor muscles ten times and release them. Repeat the exact ten times. This can be done either sitting, standing, or lying down. Once you feel it is getting easier, increase the number of repetitions to 20 times.

Stay hydrated

Urinary Incontinence is caused due to a deficiency of water in the body. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep the urinary tract hydrated and free from infections is better. Water is a natural cleanser and helps flush away toxins from the body. A glass of water before each meal is recommended as it helps slow digestion and prevents food from being trapped in the digestive system. This can reduce the risk of Urinary Incontinence caused due to Urge Incontinence.

Conclusion

Urinary Incontinence is caused due many factors, such as neurological or psychological or due to conditions associated with the bladder. It is a common occurrence in women above 40 years of age. It can be treated at home by making a few lifestyle changes and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. With Cured.com, you can keep calm and stay healthy. However, consult your doctor if you have a persistent problem despite following the advice in this article.