Incontinence Guide

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Urinary Incontinence

FAQs about Urinary Incontinence

1. Why am I losing bladder control?

The bladder is in a relaxed state as it fills with urine produced by the kidneys. The urethra, the tube that drains the bladder, is tight or contracted, preventing the urine from flowing out. When it is time to urinate, the urethra relaxes and the bladder contracts to push the urine out. Incontinence, or the loss of control, is a disruption of this process.

2. What are some other symptoms of incontinence?

The following are a few common symptoms with incontinence:

• Urgency - strong urge to urinate 
• Frequency - urinating more often than usual 
• Nocturia - waking up from sleep to urinate 
• Dysuria - Painful urination 
• Nocturnal enuresis - leaking urine while sleeping

3. What lifestyle changes can help decrease urine leakage?

These are a few steps that can help-

• Lose weight – A 10% shedding of body weight can decrease leakage 
• Monitor fluid intake - If you have leakage at night, stop drinking fluids a few hours before bedtime. Be careful of alcohol and caffeine intake. 
• Start bladder training - This will help control the urge to void and increase the time between urinating intervals. Start by toileting every 2 hours, increase to 3 hours, then 4 hours.

4. What medications are available to treat urinary incontinence?

Medications include :

• Myrbetriq - relaxes the bladder and allows it to hold more urine. This treats urinary urgency and frequency. 
• Botox injection - helps to reduce bladder muscle contractions. Botox is effective for 3-9 months. 
• Anticholinergic drugs (Detrol, Oxybutynin) - block the action of acetylcholine which sends signals to your brain to trigger abnormal bladder contractions in an overactive bladder. These medications need a prescription.

 

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