Urinary Incontinence
Definition
- Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
- Urge Incontinence: Sudden, intense need to urinate, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia (waking up multiple times at night to urinate).
- Stress Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity or pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting.
- Overflow Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine due to a full bladder that cannot be emptied completely.
- Functional Incontinence: Inability to reach the toilet in time due to physical limitations or cognitive impairment.
- Neurogenic Bladder: Loss of bladder control due to a neurological disorder, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
- Age-related decline in bladder control
- Weakened pelvic muscles
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
- Neurological disorders
- Prostate issues
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder or urethral damage
Clinical Features of Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary leakage
- Frequency and nocturia
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Painful urination
Investigations for Urinary Incontinence
- Urodynamic studies: Measure bladder function and pressure
- Cystoscopy: Visual examination of the bladder and urethra
- Ultrasound: Evaluate bladder size and emptying
- Pelvic floor EMG: Measure muscle activity in the pelvic floor
- Urine analysis: Check for infection or other abnormalities
Complications of Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin irritation or breakdown
- Fungal or bacterial infections
- Psychological distress
- Social isolation
Management of Urinary Incontinence
- Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, exercise, and bladder training
- Behavioral therapy: Biofeedback and pelvic floor exercises
- Surgery: Artificial urinary sphincter, bladder sling, or bladder augmentation
Homoeopathic Therapeutics for Urinary Incontinence
- Pulsatilla: Leaking urine due to overactive bladder
- Sepia: Urinary incontinence in women with prolapse
- Lycopodium: Urinary incontinence due to weakened pelvic muscles
- Causticum: Urinary incontinence due to neurological disorders
- Nux Vomica: Urinary incontinence due to overuse of diuretics
- Ferrum Phos: Urinary incontinence due to anemia