The most common type of incontinence is Stress Incontinence. What is Stress Incontinence?
Stress Incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine when a person exerts pressure on the bladder, such as during physical activities, coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This can happen due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which are the muscles that support the bladder and keep it closed when there is pressure.
Risk Factors for Stress Incontinence
There are several factors that can increase the risk of stress incontinence. These include:
• Age: As people get older, the muscles in the pelvic floor become weaker, increasing the risk of incontinence.
• Pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of stress incontinence.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put more pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to incontinence.
• Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
Treatments for Stress Incontinence
There are several treatments available for stress incontinence. These include:
• Pelvic floor muscle exercises: These exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control.
• Biofeedback: This technique helps people become more aware of their pelvic floor muscles and learn how to control them.
• Medication: Some medications can help reduce the frequency of urinary leakage.
• Surgery: Surgery is sometimes used to treat stress incontinence.