Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release or discharge of urine, a common condition in adults (mainly women) that begins after the age of 35, with a risk of 3% between the ages of 55 and 64. , 7% risk.
Internist Neri Olivas said the condition is associated with pregnancy and childbirth, old age or urinary tract infections, which become important risk factors.
More common in women
“The condition is more common in women because the urethra, or urinary tube, is shorter, which means greater effort is needed to hold back the fluid, unlike men, who have a longer urethra, or urinary tube, which makes it easier for the fluid to drain out. Urine is retained more easily,” explains Olivas.
In addition, women who have given birth twice or more have greater damage to the pelvic floor, causing rupture of important structures and leading to the occurrence of urinary incontinence. The risk is higher if you have only had one complicated birth.
Experts say this is a very concerning issue because people with the disease are constantly anxious and restless, and they isolate themselves from society due to the unpleasant smell emanating from their private parts, which can lead to serious medical, Social and psychological issues.
The good news, Olivas said, is that in most cases, once the cause is identified, including infection, kidney stones, surgery or physical exertion, it can be treated with medication or surgery.
Types of urinary incontinence
There are many types of urinary incontinence, the main ones are:
- Stress incontinence: This is the involuntary loss of urine caused by coughing, sneezing, laughing, climbing stairs, lifting heavy objects, etc.
- Urge incontinence: This is when you leak urine involuntarily and are unable to get to the bathroom in time.
- Mixed urinary incontinence: This is a condition where stress and urgency occur simultaneously.
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