Urinary incontinence: Know the symptoms and how to control it effectively

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, which is often embarrassing. As per the latest reports, more than 50 per cent of women around the world suffer from urinary incontinence, but they keep it a secret due to embarrassment or uneasiness. Urinary incontinence may even be caused by a lack of self-confidence in women. This is a serious health condition that requires medical attention and should be ignored as insignificant.

Symptoms
One or two drops of urine leaking when you laugh, sneeze or cough may be the initial symptom of this condition, lasting for weeks or months. Frequent urge to urinate and losing control of your bladder are some of the other symptoms. Besides, waking up at least twice at night to urinate could be a symptom. Do not hesitate to consult a medical practitioner if you experience these symptoms.

Doctors warn that ignoring the symptoms due to embarrassment may lead to severe health problems like infection, wounds in the genital area or even urinary infection. Moreover, urinary incontinence may even adversely affect your mental health. You might slowly withdraw from family events or functions, unable to face your friends or relatives. Those who suffer from urinary incontinence may slowly become introverts, giving up everything that they used to do excitedly. Gradually, this condition may lead to anxiety, stress and depression. Doctors say such patients return to normal lives through therapies and counselling sessions.

Do pregnant women have urinary incontinence?
Urine leaks are more likely to happen during the gestational period and post-partum than when you have the condition. Meanwhile, it is commonly seen in women who have had vaginal delivery than a Caesarean. However, it is possible to cure this through regular exercise and medical treatment.
Age is a factor
Urinary incontinence is usually seen in women during pregnancy, post-partum and menopause. However, reports suggest that women below 40 years old are getting urinary incontinence due to changes in lifestyle. Obesity, unhealthy food habits and lack of exercise are some of the major reasons for urinary incontinence. Besides, this condition is widely common among women who are smokers.
Treatment
Effective weight loss and quitting smoking can help you control your bladder. Besides, exercises and yoga postures that strengthen the pelvic muscles are also effective. It is better to consult a urologist and seek proper treatment if you have urinary incontinence.