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Female Incontinence Causes

Female Incontinence: Causes


Top Causes

1. Childbirth

Carrying a child places a lot of stress on the pelvic floor muscles and weakening the muscles which holds the bladder. During pregnancy, there is constant need to relieve the bladder and sometimes urine can be released just by coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects or just laughing. During a long a protracted labor due to heavy baby, women suffer from instances of incontinence of the stress variety. Even after childbirth, incontinence may continue since the pelvic muscles are weakened, leading to over active bladder. The incontinence can be treated with kegel exercise, time voiding and bladder training, during and after pregnancy.

2. Menopause

During menopause, the estrogen level drops and causes the bladder to weaken. Since estrogen is responsible for maintaining a healthy bladder and keeping the muscles of the pelvic floor strong, the weakened muscles are unable to hold the opening of the bladder close voluntarily. Many women in their menopause also begin to suffer from the ravages of childbirth and pregnancy which causes the weakening of the pelvic muscles. Combined with the drop in estrogen level, menopausal women may constantly need to relieve themselves. The problem can be tackled by a visit to the doctor or one can even use incontinence pads and pants which can be helpful. Other than that, bladder training, kegel exercise and change in diet are all helpful towards controlling incontinence.

3. Bladder infections

Infections such as urinary tract infection can make the bladder lining more sensitive which induces leakage with the slightest pressure. Bacteria can invade the bladder if proper hygiene is not maintained and the infection can weaken the bladder. Sperms also harbor bacteria so cleaning thoroughly after unprotected sex is essential to keep the bladder free of bacteria. In any case, constant washout is essential since bacterias stick to the bladder walls. Keeping the bladder supplied with a regular flow of fluid minimizes the chances of bacteria invasion.

4. Aging

When women start to age, the muscles in the body begins to weaken which also includes the bladder region. Sometimes, there is constant urge to urinate which may actually leak out before the person reaches the bathroom or even if there is little urine in the bladder, the desire to urinate is intense. Weakened muscles due to aging and the onset of menopause are the major cause of incontinence in older women. The elastic bladder loses its natural elasticity when age sets in.ย 

5. Weight gain

Weight gain in women, particularly the menopausal women, around the waist area can put a lot of pressure on the bladder. This can cause a woman the urge to urinate constantly and in extreme cases may also leak out accidentally. Reducing weight and doing kegel exercise can be beneficial. Cutting down on fluid intake will be most helpful, particularly tea and coffee which can have immediate effect on the bladder.

6. Hysterectomy

When the uterus is removed in a woman, the pelvic floor muscles are disturbed and weakened. This happens because the bladder and uterus are supported by many of the same ligaments and muscles as they lie close to each other.ย Any surgery related to the uterus will naturally leave some side effects on the bladder since the pelvic floor muscles are effected. Weak muscles will cause the bladder to develop incontinence.

7. Medications

Medicines for blood pressure, heart problem, muscles relaxants and sedatives all contribute to bladder problems. You need to speak to your doctor about the problem as he can find alternative treatments for you or may recommend pelvic muscles exercises.

8. Constipation

This is also another cause of bladder problem particularly in older women or pregnant women. The rectum shares many of the same nerves with the bladder as it is located nearby. When compacted stool is present in the rectum, the nerves become over active and causes urinary incontinence. This may be a temporary problem and once the constipation is dealt with, the incontinence may be reduced.

9. Other obstructions

A tumor could be blocking the urinary tract which can trigger incontinence overflow. There may be bladder stones causing the urine leakage or other illness such as spinal injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and brain tumor which may be interfering with the nerve signals involved in bladder control.

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