|
|
Stress Urinary Incontinence
|
 |
Normal |
Abnormal |
|
|
- This occurs when Urine is lost from the bladder with activities that increase pressure on the lower abdomen. Typical causes include coughing, sneezing, exercise, and lifting. This is most commonly seen in woman who have had multiple children. It is usually caused by a change in anatomy that occurs after childbirth. The pelvic floor is a structure that normally supports the bladder (where urine is stored) and the urethra (the tube through which urine passes). A normal pelvic floor can resist the increases in pressure that occur during coughing, but it becomes week after childbirth or pelvic surgery (e.g., Hysterectomy, total abdominal resection etc.) Hormonal changes can also waken the pelvic floor and the valve within the urethra that (i.e., urethral sphincter) normally keeps urine from leaking out. The incidence of incontinence increases after menopause, and can have a devastating effect on the individual's quality of life if left untreated.
|
 |
- Usually clear from the history
- A pelvic/genituourinary examination
is usually given by a Gynecologist or Urologist
- Avoiding diary or incontinence
questionnaire is helpful
- Laboratory: Urinalysis and Urine culture to exclude a Urinary Tract Infection
- Urodynamic examination may be
performed
- Cystogram (shows abnormal anatomy that may be causing the incontinence)
|
 |
- Estrogen creams if estrogen
deficiency (from menopause) is suspected. This is
usually indicated by dryness of the vagina and urethral
areas.
- Mild cases may be treated with Phenopropanolamime an estrogen/Alpha- adrenergic agonists combination (though recently this drug has been found to increase the risk of Strokes, and so it must be
considered carefully)
- Surgical treatment can often
correct the problem even in severe cases.
- Biofeedback techniques to retrain the pelvic muscles, Kegels exercises (strengthening the pelvic floor muscles by attempting to squeeze these muscles to stop the urination in midstream for 30 seconds, 2 times a day) and devices (Vaginal Pessaries) may be helpful in mild cases of incontinence.
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
 |
|
|
