URINARY INCONTINENCE AND THINGS WOMEN NEED TO KNOW

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that many people experience, significantly affecting daily activities, mental health, and overall quality of life. Whether due to childbirth, hormonal changes during menopause, or other factors, understanding the types of urinary incontinence, symptoms, and when to seek medical attention can greatly improve your quality of life.

► What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the condition of involuntary leakage of urine that occurs when coughing, sneezing, or a sudden, continuous urge to urinate that one cannot react in time. The severity can vary from occasional leaks to a complete inability to control urination.

► The types of urinary incontinence include :

• Stress urinary incontinence: This is the condition of leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, jumping, or lifting objects. The main cause is weak pelvic floor muscles that no longer effectively support other organs in the pelvic area as usual. This is a common issue for women after childbirth.

• Urge urinary incontinence: This group is characterized by the sudden and intense urge to urinate immediately, which occurs suddenly and severely, causing the patient to be unable to react in time, leading to urinary incontinence.

• Mixed urinary incontinence: this type of urinary incontinence includes symptoms of both stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence, leading to the phenomenon of urinary leakage.

• Overflow urinary incontinence: This condition occurs when urine is not completely emptied from the bladder after each time to the bathroom, instead resulting in intermittent leakage over time.

   

► Some causes of urinary incontinence:

• After pregnancy and childbirth

• Menopause and hormonal changes

• Aging/Obesity

• Certain medical conditions (such as diabetes or neurological disorders)

• Genital prolapse

► When do you need to see a doctor?​

• If urinary incontinence affects daily life or causes embarrassment, the patient should see a doctor for consultation and treatment. There are many effective treatment methods, including lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medical interventions when necessary.

• How to prevent and control urinary incontinence?

• Behavioral therapy: Techniques such as bladder training, which includes gradually increasing the time interval between urinations, can help control symptoms.

• Pelvic floor exercises: Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce urine leakage.

• Using medication: Some types of drugs may help control the urge and frequency of urination.

• Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, dietary changes (such as reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption), and regular physical activity can significantly improve symptoms.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be considered, especially when control measures are ineffective.

Raffles Medical & American International Hospital (AIH) brings together many experienced urologist in the examination and treatment of urinary incontinence, helping patients to control and improve their quality of life.

► Contact Hotline (028) 3910 9999 or send message to Fanpage https://m.me/aih.com.vn to schedule an appointment with the urologists at Raffles Medical & American International Hospital (AIH).

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