Atlanta Center for Laparoscopic Urogynecology
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Urinary Incontinence
Incontinence
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (leakage) refers to the involuntary loss of urine from the bladder, which constitutes a social or hygienic problem for the individual. Bladder control problems affect about 17 million people in the United States. It can be a cause of anxiety, social embarrassment and may limit ones social and daily activities. Fortunately, most of these conditions can be treated. However the first step to curing this condition is acknowledging the problem and then deciding to see a physician who has been properly trained in treating the condition of incontinence.
Incontinence Causes
There are many causes of urinary incontinence. Some of the causes of incontinence are related to temporary conditions. Once they are treated, the incontinence usually goes away. Temporary causes include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Constipation
- Certain medications
- Increased dietary intake of caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and carbonated beverages
Some other causes of incontinence are not temporary. There is, however, treatment available for many of these conditions. Other causes of incontinence include:
- Weakness of the muscles that hold the bladder in place
- Weakness of the bladder and or the sphincter muscles
- Overactive or under active bladder muscles
- Decreases in certain hormones, especially estrogen
- Neurological disorders (ex: Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease)
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Incontinence
