subject: Causes And Types Of Urinary Incontinence [print this page] Because it is something that is not openly discussed, people with bladder control problems find it difficult to talk to their doctors about their issues. And it is understandable if some would want to keep their concerns to themselves. However, many people who are suffering from bladder control issues might not be able to recognize the health risks they could have if they continue to keep their problems from medical attention.
Causes
There are different reasons why you could lose bladder control. Some are attributed to infections in the urinary system. The most common of these are urinary tract infections and vaginal infections.
Other than that, the loss of bladder control could also be due to sphincter problems. The urinary tract is composed of many muscles. When these muscles weaken, you may have difficulties in controlling the opening and the closing of the urethra. The urethra carries your urine from your bladder. On the other hand, oversensitive muscles can also cause bladder control problems.
People with neurologic disorders, including a spinal cord injury, cervical spondylosis, or degenerative multiple sclerosis can also experience problems regarding the flow of their urine. Sicknesses such as diabtes also can cause similar problems. It is also true for people who have mobility impairments to find it difficult to have bladder control because they can not get to the bathroom quick enough. Finally, depression too can interfere with the proper urine flow.
Types of urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence refer to the lack of bladder control. There are five types of urinary incontinence:
Urge incontinence
This is the sudden and intense need to urinate which can not be stopped. Those who suffer from this type suddenly feel like having their bladders bursting without warning, and before they know it, urine comes rushing out. You can lose little or a lot of urine during each episode. Sleeping habits may also be disturbed and bed wetting is very common.
Overactive bladder
This is the same as urge incontinence and is termed as a subcategory of it.
Stress incontinence
Leaking small amounts of urine with very minimal motion like laughing and sneezing is considered stress incontinence. Normally, you only leak low to moderate amounts of urine.
Overflow incontinence
People who have this type of condition feel like their bladder is full but only leak very small amounts of urine each time.
Mixed incontinence
Finally, this type of loss of bladder control is the combination of any of the three types of incontinence (urge, stress or overflow). For more information visit to our site at http://www.us-med.com
