Urinary incontinence is the loss or lack of bladder control. It is a condition in which you are unable to control the flow of urine from your body. Urinary incontinence could range from a small amount of urine leaking while one is coughing or laughing, or sudden surges that are difficult to control.


Although very embarrassing, this problem can be controlled. Many adults today are suffering from urinary incontinence. The condition is known to be very common in men and women above 50, but today has also been known to affect many young adults.


Some of the main causes of urinary incontinence include dryness of the vaginal skin during menopause, prostate gland enlargement and surgery in men as also weakened pelvic muscles post childbirth. Besides these, consumption of certain medication, constipation, obesity and urinary tract infections also result in urnary incontinence. Vascular diseases and diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and Alzheimer’s are also known to increase the chances of urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence could be of different types. Firstly; stress incontinence wherein the urine leaks due to stress on your lower stomach muscles. This kind of incontinence occurs usually when you laugh or cough. It can also be due to child birth and is very common in women. Besides this there is urge incontinence where the person feels a strong urge to urinate. This type of incontinence often happens right before you get to a toilet. It is very common in the elderly and may be caused due to a urinary tract infection. Thirdly, there is the overflow incontinence. In this type there is uncontrollable leakage of small amounts of urine because of a blockage in the urine flow. This type of incontinence is very common in men and it may be linked to obesity and diabetes.

When it comes to muscles, treatment would normally include some exercises. As far as infections and other problems go, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. However, there are certain exercises that will help you counter this problem. There are a set of exercises known as Kegel’s exercises. These must be followed for about 2 months to see results. The exercise include locating the right muscles which  could stop the urine flow. Squeeze these muscles and hold for a count os 10 after which relax then for a 10 count again. Do this for 10 – 15 minutes every day. You could then reduce the frequency as you progress.
 
Apart from exercise, there are a few things you can do as safety measures. Try and reduce your weight that is responsible for putiing stress on the urinary area. Quit smoking as nicotine is known to irritate the urinary bladder. Always visit the bathroom every time before you step out of the house. Avoid hot spices and tomatoes and also honey and chocolates.