What are the symptoms of Urine Incontinence

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What are the symptoms of Urine Incontinence?
Do you remember the first time your parents spoke
to you about elderly diapers? That time in school
when your teachers sat you down and spoke about
diapers for old age? Or, better still, that time
when you and your friends discussed urine
incontinence over dinner and drinks? None of
this happened, isnt it? You think Ive lost my
mind. Only, I havent. In India, 50 million
people suffer from urine incontinence. Thats 50
million people who remain shackled to their bed
and bathrooms. 50 million sufferers of urine
incontinence who remain trapped at home. While
elderly diapers provide some respite and
mobility, urine incontinence is hardly a topic
for conversation. And while one can normalise a
conversation that is going wrong, how does one
normalise a conversation that doesnt even
exist? As a company that manufactures elderly
diapers, we at Friends consistently attempt to
begin a conversation around urine incontinence.
A large part of that is through
information. Urine incontinence refers to a
condition where the body is unable to control the
passage of urine resulting in random or sudden
leaks. If you are dealing with sudden strong
urges to pee, or the leakage of some urine when
you laugh, sneeze, cough or exerciseyou probably
are facing urine incontinence. For most people,
urine incontinence may be a product of old age,
but the condition can show up in younger people
in their mid-20s as well. Types of Urine
Incontinence The various types of urine
incontinence are Stress incontinence This is a
type of incontinence in which the bladder muscles
become weak due to obesity or childbirth.
Activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing,
exercising or lifting something heavy exert
pressure on the bladder resulting in small
amounts of urine being squeezed out. Urge
incontinence This is also known as Overactive
Bladder. This type of urine incontinence can be
caused both by a minor infection or by nerve
damage in the bladder tissue. As a result, the
brain receives mixed signals about peeing
resulting in sudden, intense urges to urinate
followed by the involuntary loss of urine. Those
suffering from urge incontinence may need to
urinate often, especially at night.
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• Overflow incontinence In this type of
  incontinence, urine constantly dribbles through
  the urethra. This is caused either by a blockage
  or due to a weakening of muscles due to which the
  bladder fails to empty completely.
• Functional incontinence This type of urine
  incontinence is said to be caused if a physical
  or mental impairment that keeps the patient from
  making it to the toilet in time. This may be
  caused by paralysis, dementia, arthritis, or
  other such conditions.
• Being unable to pass urine willfully is
  classified as urine incontinence.
• Do you feel small amounts of urine escaping every
  time you laugh or exercise? Do you find that your
  bladder does not ever feel empty? Do you feel a
  strange ache or pain every time you pee? Do you
  feel a consistent urge to void? You may be
  suffering from urine incontinence.
• When should you visit a doctor?
• Sometimes, urine can be passed accidentally due
  to the consumption of diuretics such as alcohol,
  caffeine or certain aerated drinks. However, if
  you detect one of the following more than twice
  you must immediately visit a doctor
• Accidental leakage of urine during everyday
  activities such as coughing, laughing, lifting,
  bending or exercising
• Feeing a sudden strong urge to urinate right away
• Leaking urine suddenly without any warning or
  build up of urge
• Being unable to (physically) reach a toilet in
  time
• Being unable to reach a toilet in time as the
  urge comes suddenly with little or no warning
• Repeated bedwetting at night
• Very often urine incontinence is simply a result
  of the weakening of muscles in the pelvic region
  due to old age. While surgical interventions are
  possible, your doctor may simply recommend the
  use of a diaper for old age.

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Pregnancy and childbirth Pregnancy comes with
hormonal changes and the growth of a being inside
ones uterus. These can result in pressure being
exerted on organs inside the stomach and the
vaginal canal. This can result in damage to
nerves, supportive tissue, bladder muscles and
the pelvic floor. Menopause The secretion of
oestrogen, a hormone that helps keep the lining
of the urethra and bladder healthy, reduces in
quantity post-menopause. As a result,
uncontrolled bladder contractions become more
frequent. Hysterectomies In women, several
muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region hold
up the bladder and uterus. Any surgery that
involves the removal of the reproductive system,
including the uterus can cause a loosening or
weakening of these muscles, or damage them
leading to urine incontinence. Enlarged prostrate
Incontinence in older men may stem from an
enlarged prostate. Urge incontinence is also
often associated with prostate cancer. More
commonly, though, it is a side effect of the
treatment for prostate cancer. Obstruction
Functional incontinence can be caused by an
obstruction, such as a tumour somewhere in the
urinary tract. Urinary stones in the kidney or
the bladder can also cause urine incontinence Age
ageing can weaken bladder muscles or decrease
its capacity to store urine. Involuntary bladder
contractions also become more common with
age. It is very important to understand that
urine incontinence is a very normal processoften
a by-product of surgery or ageing. Unless the
stigma around the condition is addressed, those
suffering from incontinence shall not feel
empowered enough to seek help. It is only when
sufferers of urine incontinence seek help and
speak about what is ailing them that they can
regain the best part of their lives.