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WHAT IS URINARY INCONTINENCE? Urinary incontinence is defined as the inability to control the bladder, leading to unintentional voiding.
Urinary incontinence more heavily impacts women with a high prevalence rate of 15%-69% in the United States, which varies significantly with age and severity of symptoms. Recorded incontinence in men is less frequent at 5%-24% as demographic and clinical factors influence national values and attributed risk factors. It is predicted that over 25 million Americans suffer from some level of bowel/bladder incontinence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 50.9% of noninstitutionalized persons 65 and older have accidental bowel or bladder leakage, with reported impact on quality of life and socialization. If you fall within this category, do not wait to seek medical help. Skilled physical therapy with a specialization in pelvic floor rehabilitation can screen you to determine the best way to treat symptoms of incontinence.
There are four unique types of urinary incontinence:
1. STRESS INCONTINENCE This form of incontinence occurs when an increase of stress or pressure is placed through the bladder. Leaking will commonly occur when coughing, sneezing, exercising, or lifting heavy items. This is the most common form of incontinence and effects a wide population. 2. URGE INCONTINENCE Urge incontinence occurs when the individual has the sudden, intense urge to use the restroom and some leakage may occur on the way to the toilet. This form of incontinence is often present with an overactive bladder and may occur with an infection. 3. OVERFLOW INCONTINENCE Incontinence will occur when the bladder is not completely emptied at the toilet when voiding. This is the most common type of incontinence found in men. 4. FUNCTIONAL INCONTINENCE When a physical or mental disability exists, there may be a reduction of mobility that prevents someone from making it to the bathroom in time and leakage occurs.
References: Gorina Y, Schappert S, Bercovitz A, et al. (2014) Prevalence of incontinence among older Americans. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 3(36).
Markland, A. D., Richter, H. E., Fwu, C.-W., Eggers, P., & Kusek, J. W. (2011) Prevalence and trends of urinary incontinence in adults in the United States, 2001 to 2008. Journal of Urology, 186(2), 589–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. juro.2011.03.114
Temml, C., Haidinger, G., Schmidbauer, J., Schatzl, G., & Madersbacher, S. (2000) Urinary incontinence in both sexes: Prevalence rates and impact on quality of life and sexual life. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 19(3), 259–271. https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1520-6777(2000)19:3<259::aid-nau7>3.0.co;2-u
Have questions? Want to know if physical therapy can help you? You are not alone. Call us at (858) 675-1133 and arrange to speak with Dr. Laura Steindorf, Doctor of Physical Therapy. She can help you find what you need so you can stop worrying about your bladder and enjoy life.
(858) 675-1133 · www.waterpt.com
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