Urinary incontinence, a common disease plaguing the masses refers to involuntary loss of little or large amount of urine.  According to studies, approximately 200 million people around the world are affected with this problem.  It not only causes physical discomfort but leads to lot of embarrassment, often affecting emotional as well as financial well being of individuals.  In fact, it has long-lasting negative impact on the families of the diseased as well. However, what is more alarming is that majority of affected people do not seek treatment for this problem.  This is why it is important to know what can be the possible risks of this disease. However, before we get to that let us have a look at the common causes.

Excess intake of alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks!

These can act as diuretics and stimulate your bladder, causing increase in your urine volume. Simply steer away!

Urinary tract infection!

Various types of infections can irritate the bladder, causing h3 urges to urinate and may also lead to incontinence. This can be really frustrating!

Constipation? Not again!

Rectum is near the bladder and typically shares the same nerves. So hard stool can cause the nerves around to become overactive leading to excessive urine.

Pregnancy is a Cause!

Hormonal changes during pregnancy make for another major cause. Increased weight of uterus also leads to the same. You surely need to stay careful!

Baby's Delivery!

Vaginal delivery canmake the pelvic muscles weak and also damage the supportive nerve tissues. This results in urinary incontinence.

Age is a Big Factor!

Growing age causes bladder muscles to weaken and also decrease the bladder's ability to store urine for a longer period.

An Enlarged prostate causes Incontinence too!

When it comes to older men, a major cause for urinary incontinence is the enlargement of the prostate gland. This is a condition known as benign prostate hyperplasia and often leads to loss of bladder control.

In case of women, Hysterectomy could be the factor!

The same ligaments and muscles, in women, connect Uterus and the bladder. So women go through any surgery related to removal of uterus may result to a damaged pelvic floor muscles. This puts them at a higher risk of incontinence.

Prostate cancer

Most commonly men who have an untreated prostate cancer are at a risk of incontinence.  In fact, in many cases, it is a direct side effect of prostate cancer.

Menopause bring along Incontinence!

Estrogen is a hormone that aids keeping the lining of the urethra and bladder healthy. However, after menopause, the estrogen levels of women decrease considerably which weakens the lining. And this deterioration aggravates bladder control problems.

A few Neurological factors!

Many neurological problems like stroke, Parkinson's disease, spinal injury or brain tumor can lead to irregularities in the nerve signals, which later cause problems in bladder control.

Tumors & Stones act as Obstructions!

Any tumor along the urinary tract can cause blockage of normal urine flow, which causes incontinence. Other things like urinary stones – hard ones like masses lead to urine leakage.
Now coming to risks of incontinence –

• Higher risk of urinary infections – It can put you at a higher risk of urinary tract infections.
• Skin problems – It causes rashes, sores, and other skin infections due to the constantly wet skin.
• Negative impact on personal life – The constant embarrassment can cause you to avoid going in public place thereby making you an introvert and also making it difficult for you to be a part of long relationships.

 

Even though it is a common disease, it is treatable and not necessarily with surgery. Therefore, it is vital for people to weigh the possible risks and spread awareness about its possible causes so it can be detected earlier and proper treatment can begin.