| Definition: Urinary incontinence is the
involuntary loss of urine which is a social or hygienic
problem. The problem: Urinary incontinence affects nearly 12 million Americans, both adults and children, male and female. In the elderly, 20-30% of those living at home and over half of nursing home residents have incontinence. The problem has many sinificant aspects to it: |
| * Psychological * Physiological * Hygienic * Economic |
| Urination: The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ that has 2 roles: a) storage of urine and b) expulsion of urine. The "urinary sphincter" is another important part of the urination process that helps to contain the urine in the bladder. While the bladder is storing urine, the sphincter remains closed to prevent the leakage of urine. When the bladder is contracting, the sphincter should be relaxed to allow the free flow of urine from the bladder. Problems that effect any part of the above process can cause urinary incontinence. |
| Causes: The
reasons for urinary incontinence are as diverse as the
people it effects. The underlying cause may be temporary
or long term, simple or complicated. Serious medical
problems or even cancer can present as incontinence. Age
is not itself a cause, but age-related changes to the
body can result in leakage of urine. Incontinence should be evaluated by your specialist to best determine the cause and thereby the appropriate treatment. Many treatment options are available and urinary incontinence is almost always manageable. |
