| Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is uncontrollable leaking of urine from the bladder.
Incontinence can be so embarrassing that it interferes with living a
normal, full life. Urinary incontinence becomes more common as people
get older. It is an embarrassing problem for as many as one in three
Americans age 60 or older. The condition is at least twice as common
among women as men.
Incontinence of urine or stool affects 25 million people in the United
States. Besides severely restricting the people's quality of life, incontinence
impacts in other ways: The annual cost to people affected with incontinence
and to society, exceeds 10 billion dollars. Every 24 hours, 11 million
disposable products are put into US fields.
There are several different types of incontinence: stress, urge, overflow,
and functional. The most common kind of urinary incontinence in women
is stress incontinence, in which urine leaks during lifting, exercise,
coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Many times it is caused by weak pelvic
muscles that may have been stretched or torn during child-bearing.
Therefore, as a first line of therapy, conservative methods of treatment
as Kegel exercises are highly recommended,
because they are very effective when done
correctly and for at least three-six months.
To identify the right muscles for Kegel
exercises , you might find that it helps
to pretend you are stopping a flow of
urine. Tighten these muscles and hold
the contraction for 4 seconds. Do this
10 to 20 times. Allow the muscles to relax
completely between contractions. Do these
sets of contractions 10 times a day. Performing
fewer repetitions than this will lower
the effectiveness of the exercises. You
can do Kegel exercises anywhere: while
sitting at a desk, waiting for a bus,
washing dishes, driving a car, waiting
in line, or watching television
Other modalities of treatment are available:
1. Medicine that tightens the urethral muscle, stimulates the bladder
to empty, relaxes an irritable bladder, or treats infection.
2. Bladder training, which teaches you to empty the bladder on schedule
rather than waiting until you feel the urge.
3. A pessary, which is similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm. This
is inserted up around a woman's cervix, where it gives support to the
pelvic muscles and helps prevent stress incontinence. Your health care
provider may advise a pessary to support lax pelvic muscles if this
is contributing to the incontinence.
4. Incontinence pads, available in all sizes and degrees of absorbency,
to decrease chances of accidents.
5. Catheters inserted into the bladder so that it can be mechanically
drained on schedule. This is usually done only as a last resort.
6. Surgery options evolved tremendously along with technological advances.
While the traditional surgery with a longer recovery time is still an
option, others modern techniques were developed that can be performed
on an outpatient basis, same day surgery with less pain and discomfort
and with equally good results.
Remember: Incontinence is common!
Incontinence of urine or stool affects
25 million people in the United States.
There is no reason to suffer in silence.
Incontinence is treatable!
If interested in learning more call Dr. Marcovici at 860-409-1930 for
an appointment!!!
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