Why Treating Urinary Incontinence is so Important
Nearly 25 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of urinary incontinence, and the number is growing every year. While some cases are mild and require only minor lifestyle changes, others can cause major disruptions in daily life. Urinary incontinence affects both men and women, and it can occur at any age. If you have any signs or symptoms of incontinence, it is critical that you get a proper diagnosis so that you can be treated. We’ll go over some of the main reasons why treating urinary incontinence is so important in this article.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the loss of voluntary bladder control caused by a variety of factors. It is not a disease, but rather a symptom of urinary tract infections (UTIs), constipation, certain medications, diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, enlarged prostate, childbirth, menopause, and other conditions.
Urinary incontinence varies in severity and becomes more common as you get older. Incontinence appears to affect more women than men, but it can and does affect men. Urinary incontinence can be temporary or persistent, and each is caused by a different set of circumstances.
Temporary urinary incontinence – occurs when you consume certain diuretic-like drinks, foods, or medications. Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, chili peppers or spicy foods, heart and blood pressure medications, too much vitamin C, and other irritants are examples of these.
Persistent Urinary Incontinence – This type of incontinence is more reflective of a condition and is caused by an underlying problem or condition as well as changes in your body such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, obstruction, neurological disorders, and other factors.
The symptoms of urinary incontinence vary depending on the type you have. If you notice any signs or symptoms of urinary incontinence, contact your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Complications of Untreated Urinary Incontinence
Because urinary incontinence is a symptom of an underlying condition or disease, it is critical to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. This includes a series of questions about your lifestyle habits and how incontinence has affected your life overall. You will be asked to provide a medical history and will be subjected to a few tests, such as a urinalysis or a stress test.
Urinary incontinence, if left untreated, can lead to a variety of complications, the severity of which increases with time.
Some of the reasons why treating urinary incontinence is critical include:
Increasingly Serious Underlying Issues
If you do not seek treatment for an underlying issue that is causing your urinary incontinence, the condition can worsen and become more serious. Untreated urinary tract infections can progress to bladder or kidney infections, which can be fatal over time. Urinary incontinence can also be an early sign of cancer or a nerve disorder, both of which must be treated as soon as possible. Urinary incontinence should never be ignored because it can be a sign of something serious.
More Frequent Skin Problems
Because incontinence causes dampness, it can lead to an increase in skin problems, which only adds to your discomfort. Untreated urinary incontinence can cause rashes, sores, and skin infections such as contact dermatitis or inflammation.
Negative Affect on Mental Health
The constant embarrassment or fear of having an accident can have a negative impact on your mental health over time. It can lead to depression and social isolation from family and friends. Untreated urinary incontinence can also lead to an increase in anger or frustration, which can be detrimental to your long-term health.
Lower Quality of Life
In addition to affecting your mental health, untreated urinary incontinence can reduce your overall quality of life. If you are normally active and social, you may become afraid of participating in your usual activities as a result of leakage or accidents. If you stop exercising, you may gain weight and adopt an unhealthy lifestyle. This only exacerbates the problem of urinary incontinence by putting additional strain on your urethra. Untreated incontinence can also reduce work productivity and harm personal relationships.
