Urinary Incontinence

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Urinary incontinence ranges from occasional small leakages to uncontrollable sudden and strong urges to urinate.

What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be caused by certain foods and drinks that stimulate your bladder or some common medical conditions such as urinary tract infection or constipation. It can also be caused by structural issues or changes due to the aging process, gender and surgery.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is caused by underlying physical problems or changes, such as:

Pregnancy and childbirth
Ageing
Menopause
Previous pelvic surgery (hysterectomy or other gynaecology surgery)
Enlarged prostate
Prostate cancer
Neurological disorders that may lead to nerve damage
Previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatments

What are the risk factors?

A number of factors may increase the risk of developing urinary incontinence, these include:

Being female
Age
Being overweight
Smoking
Family history or other long-standing diseases
Chronic constipation
Lifestyle

If you are concerned that incontinence is affecting your lifestyle seek advice from your GP and ask to be referred to Mater Private Pelvic Health Clinic.