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Pregnancy Vs. Aging: Understanding The Two Main Types Of Urinary Incontinence

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Uncontrollable peeing can be embarrassing for many people, especially for those who are out of their house or have to attend an occasion, and urinary incontinence is a common problem that can cause involuntary urine leakage because of faulty bladder control. The human urinary system consists of different organs, as these organs are responsible for filtering and removing waste material.

The condition of female urinary incontinence types, stress vs. urge

occurs when urinary system organs do not work properly as they should. Nearly 62% of females aged 20 or above have some type of urinary incontinence problem. Struggling with bladder leaks is not a normal part of life; factors such as childbirth and the natural aging process can weaken pelvic floor muscles.  

Urinary Incontinence Types: Stress Vs. Urge Differences 

Different types of incontinence are stress incontinence and urge incontinence, and they have different causes and characteristics.

  • Urge continence

Urge incontinence is involuntary urine leakage that is immediately preceded by urgency, and this happens because of overactivity of the detrusor muscles.

  • Stress incontinence
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Stress incontinence is involuntary urine leakage, and it usually occurs during physical activity such as sneezing or coughing. Stress urinary incontinence occurs when people experience weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, and the leakage of urine may vary from a few drops to more.

Urinary Incontinence Stress vs. Urge Comparison: Symptoms and Causes 

  • Need to rush to the toilet or lose urine if you do not get to the restroom in time.
  • Urine leakage when performing any activity such as sneezing, laughing or exercising.
  • Leakage of urine that starts or continues after surgery.
  • Constant feeling of wetness without sensation of urine leakage.
  • Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

Incontinence After Childbirth

  • Many women experience urinary incontinence during pregnancy or after childbirth.
  • Some women struggle with bowel incontinence, that is, loss of fecal matter.
  • The baby passes through the birth canal during pregnancy.
  • The increased weight of the uterus during pregnancy.
  • Unique hormones produced during pregnancy.
  • In women, smoking can be the reason for developing incontinence after pregnancy.
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Incontinence At An Older Age

Generally, after the age of 59, your body constantly changes throughout your life, and the chances of developing incontinence in old age are higher if you have: 

  • A chronic health condition
  • Have give birth
  • Are in postmenopause 
  • Have an enlarged prostate
  • Had prostate surgery 

Conclusion 

For many people, talking about their restroom habits may be embarrassing, especially for women. Women may experience urinary incontinence twice as often as men, and this condition can make you feel self-conscious. Urinary incontinence can affect your everyday activities, as you are always in the tension of urinary leakage and finding a restroom whenever you go outside.

Moreover, you can’t get to the bathroom when the urge strikes, especially if you are out of your home. A professional healthcare provider, with the help of a proper examination, can find out the primary reason for your bladder control issues and suggest ways to improve it.

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 If you are experiencing female urinary incontinence, stress vs. urge, in Ludhiana, you can book an appointment with RG Stone Urology and Laparoscopy Hospital. Here, Dr. Charanbir Singh will provide you with the best care and treatments. 

FAQs

  • What is postpartum incontinence?

During pregnancy, the weight of the expanding uterus can weaken the woman’s pelvic floor muscles and cause urine to leak. 

  • When should I see the doctor after postpartum incontinence?

You can see a female pelvic health specialist six weeks after delivery if you had incontinence before, after or during pregnancy. 

  • Is urinary incontinence normal after childbirth?

Yes, urinary incontinence is normal after childbirth, as childbirth can place strain on pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues. 

  • After childbirth, can urinary incontinence go away on its own?

In most cases, after pregnancy, bladder issues improve within the first few months as your body starts recovering. 

References and Data Sources

  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine 
  2. CU Anschutz Urogynecology 
  3. Cleveland Clinic 
  4. Hycare Hospital
  5. Advanced Women’s Care of Pittsburgh
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