Why do women constantly or periodically have episodes of urinary incontinence? What risk factors exacerbate this problem? Gynecologist tells
Urinary incontinence is one of those problems that people prefer to suffer from in silence. Meanwhile, not so few women suffer from this. According to the International Society for Urinary Incontinence, more than 10% of women have this diagnosis on an ongoing basis. From 25 to 45% of women face this problem periodically, at different periods of their lives. Most often, women are characterized by stress incontinence: during sneezing, loud laughter, physical activity, and even during sex. Why is this happening, and what factors contribute to the development of this pathology, said the obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category Natalia Lelyukh.
The main causes of urinary incontinence
Most often incontinence develops after pregnancy and childbirth / istockphoto.com
Normally, an adult can hold urine for 4 to 8 hours. The retention period begins with the first desire to go to the toilet (at the moment of filling the bladder) and ends with an irresistible urge, when there is absolutely no strength to endure. During this time, a person usually finds a place where he can send his natural needs. This is how nature intended, and this is how physiology works.
The first cause of incontinence occurs not only in women but also in men. It lies in the fact that a person simply does not feel that very “first desire”. The urge to go to the toilet reaches him only when there is no longer any physical ability to hold urine. This is a neurological cause that can occur against the background of diseases of the nervous system or injury to the bladder. This problem is dealt with not only by a gynecologist or urologist, but also by a neurologist.
The second reason is typical for women: it is a defect in the pelvic floor muscles, which usually occurs after pregnancy and childbirth. “To understand why this is happening, imagine the ship entering the dock,” explains Natalya Lelyukh. - Water keeps it afloat, and mooring ropes are fixed: ropes, which are needed so that the ship does not move back and forth. Approximately the same anatomy of the female pelvic floor. We have "water" - these are the muscles and tendons of the pelvic floor that keep the "ship" afloat. And the ligaments that fix the bladder and uterus so that they do not "dangle" back and forth in the abdominal cavity. "
“During pregnancy in women, this anatomy changes: the uterus grows and stretches the ligaments,” continues Natalya Lelyukh. In addition, pelvic floor injuries and tendon ruptures are common during childbirth. This violates the anatomical landmarks, and very often women after childbirth are faced with such a problem as urinary incontinence. For some, it passes, and for others, unfortunately, it remains for life. "
Risk factors that can lead to incontinence
Risk factors include age, excess weight and heavy bags / istockphoto.com
In addition to pregnancy and childbirth, women have a whole group of factors that trigger the development of urinary incontinence. If you have given birth, these factors will exacerbate the problem. If not given birth, it will most likely lead to its appearance.
Age
Most often, problems with urinary incontinence occur in women during menopause. This is due not only to a change in hormonal levels and a decrease in muscle tone. Gravity has its effect on the body, causing not only wrinkles on the face, but also certain changes in the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Excessive physical activity
Physical activity can be detrimental to a woman's health if she is not properly organized. For example, when a woman constantly carries heavy bags. This negatively affects the spine, the innervation of the bladder and the muscles that will be damaged during improper, poorly dosed physical activity.
Passive lifestyle
The reverse side of the coin is if a woman does not take care of her body and leads a passive lifestyle. According to Natalia Lelyukh, this can also cause weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and urinary incontinence.
Obesity
If a woman has excess weight, the tendons and muscles of the pelvic day are pressed not only by gravity, the uterus and the bladder, but also by the adipose tissue, which is located in the small pelvis. This will naturally worsen the urinary incontinence situation.
Chronic cough
At risk are women who have chronic non-specific lung diseases, and women who smoke a lot (the so-called smoker's cough). Coughing causes negative pressure in the abdomen. A woman coughs, the diaphragm contracts, it presses on the bladder, and we get urinary incontinence
Taking medication
Some medications can cause urinary incontinence as a side effect. Most often, these are drugs for treating neurological problems that can "dull" the feeling of fullness in the bladder. This side effect must be discussed with your doctor without hesitation.
Connective tissue development problems
In some women, there are congenital features of the connective tissue and muscles that provoke the prolapse of the pelvic organs. This can cause a problematic pregnancy, and it can also cause urinary incontinence even in women who have never given birth.
You will also be interested to read:
3 unpleasant postpartum illnesses that are embarrassing to talk about
Obsessive cystitis: how not to miss dangerous symptoms and treat the disease
