Urinary Incontinence & Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control urination.

At least 1 in 10 persons aged 65 or older has some problem with incontinence, though people of any age can develop it.

Different Types of Urinary Incontinence:

STRESS INCONTINENCE: Leakage of small amounts of urine usually brought on by exercise, laughing, sneezing or coughing. This can be caused by weakening pelvic floor muscles or a change in the position of bladder and urethra. Women are commonly affected, especially those who have had vaginal childbirth. Men who have had radical prostate surgery may also be affected.

URGE INCONTINENCE: You feel the urge to urinate, but cannot reach a toilet in time. This is usually associated with conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Sometimes there is also some obstruction of the bladder. Elderly people are commonly affected, and can sometimes resolve this problem by making the toilet easier and faster to get to.

OVERFLOW INCONTINENCE: Small amounts or urine leak from a constantly full bladder. Some causes are obstructions of the urinary tract, including those caused by enlarged prostate, diabetes, or injury to the spinal cord or nerves.

Treatment
Many people who suffer from this disorder withdraw from social life and try to hide their problem. They feel embarrassed, ashamed or depressed. They often do not realize that incontinence is common. Treatment is available: Medication, behavioral management techniques, exercises, surgery, urinary catheter, prosthetic devices and absorbable undergarments are all treatment methods.

Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are usually caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract. 1 out of every 5 women will develop at least one urinary tract infection sometime in their life. While both men and women are affected by urinary tract infections, the rate of infections is higher in women. Next to respiratory infections, urinary tract infections are the most common infections treated by physicians. There are three main types of UTIs:

• CYSTITIS – There is an inflammation or the bladder caused by bacteria, often from the vagina or anus.
• PROSTATITIS –This is an inflammation of the prostate, occurring only in men.
• KIDNEY INFECTIONS – These are often the result of untreated cystitis. Kidney infections can be quite serious if not treated. Rarely, these infections can cause kidney damage or failure.

Some of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection are urgent and frequent need to urinate, slow or painful urination, a burning sensation during urination, pain in abdomen, testicles, back or sides or blood in the urine or a headache, fever and chills.

Treatment
Treatment may involve antibiotics, sulfa drugs or other medications to kill the bacteria and relieve pain, drinking more water and other fluids, resting to help fight infection or hot baths. Avoiding spices, caffeine, and alcohol can help relieve uncomfortable symptoms. If you think you may have a urinary tract infection, see your doctor quickly. Be sure to take all the medication your doctor prescribes, even if your symptoms have disappeared.

How Can I Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

• Wash your genital area daily, especially before and after intercourse.
• When using the bathroom, wipe your genitals from front to back to avoid contaminating the urethra.
• Avoid chemicals in the genital area. (Including perfumes, deodorants, feminine hygiene sprays, douches, etc.)
• Wear cotton underwear -- cotton absorbs moisture better than nylon.
• Drink plenty of fluids to flush harmful bacteria out of your urinary tract.

If you suspect you have either of these conditions, there is help available. Both conditions are medical in nature, and should be dealt with.

See your doctor for a complete medical examination, including:

• Medical history
• Physical exam focusing on urinary and nervous systems and reproductive organs
• Urinalysis
• Possible referral to a specialist (urologist or geriatrician)