Female Urinary Incontinence: Medical Condition Affecting Elderly Women-Causes & Treatment- Contributed By Dr. Anuradha Manoharan MBBS, MD (Obs and Gyn) FRCOG
Photo by Teona Swift from Pexels What is Urinary Incontinence? It is a loss of bladder control resulting in leakage of urine. It usually occurs in the elderly and can range from a few drops to moderate amounts. One should consult a doctor if the symptoms limit daily activities and social interactions. It can be temporary due to an underlying medical condition or more chronic What causes Urinary Incontinence? Though it is not an inevitable result of aging, UI is more common after the age of 50 . It occurs due to specific changes in body function as a result of disease or an effect of medication. For example, urinary incontinence may be the only symptom of a urinary tract infection. So when the infection is treated the incontinence resolves. Women are most likely to develop UI during pregnancy and childbirth or at menopause due to hormonal changes. Types of Urinary Incontinence? There are 4 main types A. Stress inco