Involuntary leakage of urine is a shameful topic. If you think that you have to come to terms with this ailment, you are wrong, because it can and should be treated. Follow a proper diet, exercise your muscles. There are many ways to treat urinary problems.
Urinary incontinence (NTM) is a result of the aging of the body.
No.This problem can arise at any age, in both men and women. This is usually a symptom of poor functioning of the lower urinary tract, i.e. bladder, sphincter and urethra. It can be caused by infections, urolithiasis, weakening of the urethra, bladder depression, pelvic muscle relaxation, obesity and constipation. It can also be the result of hormonal disorders, childbirth, gynecological and urological operations, nervous diseases, and even the use of certain medications.
Specialized tests are needed to determine the cause of urinary incontinence.
Yes.But not only. An honest conversation with your doctor is important in making a diagnosis. On its basis, he can determine the causes of ailments. When in doubt, he or she gives a referral for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, a urine test with a culture (to check that there are no bacteria in the bladder) and an assessment of the residual urine in the bladder. Sometimes you need to have a urodynamic test that shows how the lower urinary tract works, what pressure is in the bladder and how long the urethra is.
The method of treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
Yes.As in any case - the sooner we go to the doctor, the sooner we will be free from stress and other unpleasantness related to the disease. Additionally, surgery may be necessary if treatment is started late. And when the disease is not advanced, it can be overcome with appropriate medications. Sometimes even simple exercises are enough.
There are no medications to improve the tone of the urethral sphincters.
They are.In 2004, Yentreve tablets appeared on the market, the first modern (prescription) drug for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence. Taking the drug leads to an increase in the tension and contraction force of the urethral sphincter, preventing it from dropping when coughing, laughing or other physical exertion. Unfortunately, these measures are expensive and, despite Polish registration, they are still notreimbursed by the National He alth Fund (similar to Vesicare used in the treatment of the so-called overactive bladder). But the most common are vaginal balls with estriol and preparations reducing bladder spasms, i.e. anticholinergic drugs that eliminate urine leakage and the so-called Urgent pressures forcing frequent visits to the toilet. Anticholinergic drugs are not given to people with glaucoma. A specialist may also recommend hormonal drugs that rebuild the mucosa of the urethra, making it more elastic and tighter. Antidepressants that reduce the strength of bladder contractions and increase the tone of the sphincter muscles help with a little release.
Exercising the right muscles is an important element of the therapy.
Yes.The simplest exercise involves urinating at certain times and gradually increasing the intervals between visits to the toilet. By exercising consistently, you will notice an improvement fairly quickly, and it is also important to strengthen the Kegel muscle. The exercise involves contracting the muscles that stop the urine flow. There are other methods for women as well. Your doctor may recommend that you insert a special disc (called a pessary) into the vagina to strengthen the pelvic muscles and help you control urination. There is also a form of pelvic floor muscle training that involves inserting a cone-shaped weight into the vagina. When you contract your muscles, you need to hold it for 30 minutes. If we manage to achieve this, we change the weight to a larger one. The exercises have to be repeated for many months. All women must remember about training the urethral sphincters, even if they are not affected by this problem, as it is women who are at greater risk of NTM.
Surgical techniques used for this condition are ineffective.
Not true.Depending on the method used (there are many) 80-90 percent. patients forget about the problem forever. The choice of the treatment technique is made by a physician who takes into account age, general he alth, lifestyle and previous abdominal surgeries. The treatments restore the correct alignment of the pelvic organs, recreate the naturally high position of the bladder and immobilize the urethra. They are performed in both sexes in the case of stress NTM, in patients with neurological diseases and urinary incontinence due to the so-called urgent urges.
Diet may have an impact on the severity of symptoms.
Yes.There are many foods that can irritate the bladder, causing it to contract. These include sodas, alcohol, coffee, milk, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, and hot spices. Therefore, they should be limited - as are products that promote constipation. The most advantageous isa diet rich in fiber, i.e. vegetables and fruits. People suffering from NTM should avoid being overweight. The more kilos, the greater the pressure on the urinary tract, and therefore the greater the increase in uncontrolled leakage of urine. Quitting smoking is just as important as your diet. The smoke irritates the walls of the bladder, damages the sphincter nerves, and causes a cough that promotes leakage of urine.
Limiting the amount of fluids you drink reduces the problem with NTM.
No.Abstaining from drinking is a mistake. This does not reduce the amount of urine excreted, it only affects its concentration. Condensed urine strongly irritates the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs. It can also cause serious ailments, e.g. vaginitis.
Urinary incontinence can cause many ailments, even depression.
Yes.False shame often takes precedence over common sense, leading to isolation, rejection by friends and family, loss of job and sometimes even depression. Meanwhile, NTM is the same disease as, for example, hypertension. You just have to start treating her.
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