Loss of bladder control is a common and embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from occasional loss of urine when coughing or sneezing to such a sudden and strong urge to urinate that you can't make it to a nearby toilet in time. Now, very quickly, the good news: for most people, the symptoms of urinary incontinence can be treated with simple lifestyle and dietary changes or medical treatment.
Urinary incontinence usually begins with the involuntary leakage of urine in dribs and drabs. This is caused by a wide variety of diseases in the immediate vicinity of the bladder. As different as the causes are, there are also different forms of urinary incontinence, which manifest themselves in different ways. A topic that people don't like to talk about. And if you do, then only behind closed doors or at the doctor's.
Types of urinary incontinence
There are four main types of urinary incontinence. These include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence and functional incontinence. Let's take a closer look at the different types:
- Stress incontinence - urine leaks when you put pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting heavy objects.
- Urge incontinence - you have a sudden, strong urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may also need to urinate more frequently at night. It is usually caused by a minor illness (an infection). Or it may be caused by a neurological disorder or the onset of diabetes.
- Overflow incontinence - Because your bladder does not empty completely, you suffer from frequent or constant dribbling of urine.
- Functional incontinence - A physical impairment prevents you from going to the toilet on time.
You are not alone! In Germany alone, there are more than 5 million people affected. Urinary incontinence can affect both women and men. men of all ages, but it is more common in older people. The following points first show signs of a healthy bladder, followed by symptoms of a possible problem. You will then learn preventive tips that can alleviate or even prevent urinary incontinence in many cases:
Signs of a healthy bladder
Signs of a healthy bladder include
- Urinate four to six times a day and once, or not at all, at night.
- Everything is fine if the urine is light yellow. If the urine is dark yellow or brown, this indicates that you are not drinking enough.
- No accidental leakage.
Symptoms of a possible problem
Any of the following symptoms may indicate a problem with your bladder. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you are concerned about your toilet habits, you should see your doctor or speak to a continence advisor.
- Urine comes out without you having to do anything.
- Unable to reach the toilet in time.
- Pass small amounts of urine several times during the day.
- Frequent getting up at night to urinate.
- Difficulty starting to urinate.
- The urine flow is intermittent.
- The urethra stings and burns when urinating.
- A feeling that the bladder is not empty after urinating.
- Sudden onset of bedwetting.
Prevention of urinary incontinence
To prevent urinary incontinence, it is important that you:
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Make sure you eat a healthy diet.
- Physical activities and walks.
Drink enough fluids
The color of your urine will tell you whether you are drinking enough fluids. If you are drinking enough fluids, your urine should be light yellow - with the exception of the first urine of the day, which is often more concentrated. A dark yellow color of urine may indicate that you have not been drinking enough fluids. Keep in mind that some medications, vitamins and foods can affect the color of urine.
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Dehydration can lead to bladder irritation
This will prevent dehydration:
- Drink a glass of water without feeling thirsty right away.
- Drink up to two liters of liquid a day, preferably water.
- Drink more fluids in summer or after physical exertion.
- Take small sips and spread your drinks evenly throughout the day.
- Water is the best liquid to prevent dehydration, but fruit juice, tea, coffee, milk or soup can also provide hydration.
Caution! Limit your daily consumption of carbonated drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee, as they can cause bladder irritation.
Train good toilet habits
Good toilet habits can help prevent bladder problems:
- Only go to the toilet to urinate when your bladder is full. If you make it a habit to urinate just in case, you will teach your bladder to signal the urge to urinate when it is not full.
- Take your time on the toilet. Let the urine flow at its own pace. Never use your pelvic floor to force the urine out.
A healthy lifestyle is the be-all and end-all
To prevent incontinence, it is important to eat a healthy diet, exercise and control your weight. Suggestions for a healthy lifestyle include:
- Maintain a healthy weight! Excessive body fat puts a strain on the muscles of the pelvic floor. Lose weight slowly and sensibly by improving your eating habits and exercising regularly. Consult your doctor for more information.
- Give up smoking! Chronic coughing due to smoking weakens the pelvic floor and contributes to the development of incontinence.
