Urinary incontinence silently affects millions of men and women around the world. It is the involuntary loss of urine, without control of bladder emptying, sometimes accompanied by a strong desire to urinate.
It is closely related to age, although it is not a stigma of older people. In fact, many young people can suffer from it. It is a pathology that has a significant impact on quality of life.
There are different types, but the most common are:
1. Stress incontinence (the most frequent)
2. Urge incontinence
3. Overflow incontinence
There are different risk factors and causes, depending on each type. Age, pregnancies and childbirth and obesity, among other causes, can produce it in women. In men, the most common cause is stress incontinence, as a sequela after surgery.
It is not normal for urine to leak. Incontinence has a solution if it is treated in time. Even if the leaks are slight or sporadic, they are a sign that something is wrong. If no remedy is put in place, the problem will worsen over time.
When the first symptoms appear, you should see your doctor, who will determine the most effective solution. The first therapeutic step is hygienic-dietary measures, behavior modification techniques and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation.
The pelvic floor muscles provide support to the organs. They support sphincter control and give us conscious control over the bladder and bowel.
In women, voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor contribute to sexual sensation and arousal, as well as providing support the baby and collaborate during the birth process.
A conservative treatment begins with a routine of physical therapy through bladder training and the practice of Kegel exercises, to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. There are also pharmacological and surgical treatments, but training can help us avoid surgery.
One in four men older than 40 suffers from urine loss. The 50% rest worse, since he has to get up at night to urinate. A 45% also admit that it interferes with their sexual life.
The deterioration of the sphincter normally causes incontinence in men. It can be damaged by an increase in the size of the prostate.
Andropause, in which hormonal changes and weight gain are usually combined, weakens the tissues of the pelvic floor. Exercising the muscles in the area helps control urine loss. Kegels work for both men and women.
Urine leakage is often associated with heart disease, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, obesity, dermatological and urinary tract infections. They are also associated with changes in mood. That is why it is important to seek professional help.
Klara Senior and Sofía Herrera are founders of Zenzsual.50 @doctoraklarasenior @tu_ginecologa