Urinary incontinence is a condition that dramatically affects the quality of life, compromising physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Urinary incontinence can affect individuals of all ages, both sexes, and all social and economic levels.
Typically, there is perfect coordination between the bladder and the sphincter (muscle that acts as a valve, closing the urethra and preventing urine leakage). Most people have complete control over this process, allowing the bladder to fill between 400 ml and 500 ml without any urinary leakage. During the filling phase, the bladder is relaxed, and the sphincter is contracted. During the bladder emptying phase, perfect coordination between the contraction of the bladder muscle and the relaxation of the sphincter is necessary. This coordination is called vesicosphincteric synergy.
Urinary Incontinence in Women
Millions of women in Brazil and around the world suffer from this problem, which causes the involuntary loss of urine and can interfere with their activities and quality of life. Since urinary incontinence is a symptom, it is important to inform the doctor when it occurs. A thorough assessment can determine the cause of incontinence.
The following information helps to better understand the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the issue.
Who is affected and what are the reasons
It is estimated that more than 8 million Brazilians have urinary incontinence, a problem that can affect men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic levels. Among individuals over the age of 60, it is believed that 30 to 60% experience urinary incontinence. Women are more predisposed than men. Among the elderly living in nursing homes, at least 50% experience urinary incontinence.
The exact number of people with urinary incontinence is not known, but it may well exceed the estimates mentioned. Various diseases can cause the symptoms. Some of them are transient and easily treatable, such as urinary and vaginal infections, side effects of medications, and constipation. However, other causes may be enduring or permanent.
Among them are diseases such as overactive bladder, weakness of the muscles supporting the bladder (dropped bladder and stress urinary incontinence), weakness of the sphincter muscle that surrounds the urethra, birth defects, diseases and injuries of the spinal cord, surgeries on the bladder, female genital organs, and other pelvic organs, and diseases affecting the nerves or muscles (stroke, multiple sclerosis, polio, muscular dystrophy, etc.). In some patients, more than one cause may be present.
Causes of Incontinence
- Urinary or vaginal infections.
- Side effects of medications.
- Intestinal constipation.
- Weakness of certain muscles.
- Obstruction of the urethra due to an enlarged prostate.
- Diseases that affect the nerves or muscles.
- Some types of gynecological surgery and others.
For most patients, incontinence is not only a medical issue but also affects their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Many refrain from engaging in daily activities that may keep them away from the bathroom for an extended period. For this reason, it is crucial to know that the vast majority of causes of incontinence can be successfully treated.
Source:Sírio-Libanês Hospital
