Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Many people suffer with some sort of urinary incontinence, but do not seek help due to embarrassment. It is important to know there are treatments for urinary incontinence, and it all starts with a simple conversation with Dr. Quartell. Dr. Quartell has experience expertly treating women suffering with urinary incontinence by discovering the underling cause. Urinary incontinence is not a disease, but rather a symptom of a physical problem, result of a habit, or due to a medical condition. Urinary incontinence should never be ignored; Dr. Quartell can help.
There are 5 different types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress incontinence: Stress incontinence is the leakage of urine when stress is placed on the bladder, such as when laughing, coughing, or exercising.
- Urge incontinence: Urge incontinence is the sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. It usually results in the inability to make it to the toilet on time.
- Overflow incontinence: Overflow incontinence is the constant leakage of urine from the bladder. It occurs due to the bladder’s inability to completely empty when urinating.
- Functional incontinence: Functional incontinence is a little different from the above types of incontinence. It is due to a physical or mental impairment that does not give you enough time to make it to the bathroom.
- Mixed incontinence: Mixed incontinence is simply a combination of 2 or more of the above types.
If incontinence is in any way affecting your daily life, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause, if any, of your incontinence in order to treat that cause. Once the underlying cause is treated, urinary function will usually return to normal. Other lifestyle changes may be recommended to aid in more regular urinary function.
Other lifestyle changes can be made to ease the burden of incontinence. This may include limiting caffeine intake, avoiding alcohol, avoiding sugary foods, or changing medication. Other reasons for urinary incontinence include pregnancy, menopause, childbirth, neurological disorders, prostate cancer, hysterectomy, and age changes. It is important to see a doctor to rule out serious causes for your incontinence, and to determine a plan of action for getting healthy again.
Women are more prone to urinary incontinence, however men with enlarged prostates will experience symptoms of incontinence. Those that are overweight and those with diabetes also have higher risk for urinary incontinence.
If you are suffering with urinary incontinence, make an appointment with Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates today. We are conveniently located at 316 Eisenhower Parkway in Livingston, NJ 07039. Contact us today!
