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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Anshu Guleria, MD
Skin Care and Urinary Incontinence
Prince William Urology Associates
. http://www.guleriaurologyassociates.com/

Skin Care and Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common and often treatable problem that can occur at any age due to a variety of underlying conditions. Management with absorbent pads is often the first therapy patients choose for themselves. Besides the embarrassment of wet clothing and odor, the other major problem with urinary incontinence is skin irritation. Urine contains a variety of chemicals that can be irritating to unprotected skin. The wetness also makes patients susceptible to skin infections, particularly fungal types.

The two sub-categories of urinary incontinence are “stress” and “urge” types of incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when physical stress such as a cough or sneeze increases internal pressure inside the bladder and urine leaks as a result. Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) occurs when there is an unwanted bladder muscle contraction resulting in urine leakage. SUI is usually a small amount of urine leakage whereas UUI usually results in a large volume of incontinence.

Both conditions are very treatable, especially when caught early. SUI is often managed with kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, or with one of several minimally-invasive outpatient surgeries. The surgical treatments typically involve placing a “sling” under the urethra to support it during sudden increases in bladder pressure. Some of the newer slings can be placed via a single small vaginal incision that allows for a rapid return to normal activities after surgery.

Because UUI is due to bladder contractions, surgery is rarely required. Rather, medications can be taken to suppress unwanted bladder contractions and sensations of urgency.

There are many drugs currently available for this condition and your doctor can find the right one for you. Lifestyle changes may also help reduce UUI. Caffeine and alcohol are common bladder irritants, but there may be other factors in your diet, fluid intake, or voiding patterns that could contribute to UUI.

In rare cases, when medications are ineffective or intolerable, there is a device called Interstim, which can be implanted like a pacemaker to control bladder contractions.

Finally, remember that many patients suffer for months or years before seeking treatment. The milder the incontinence, the easier it will be to treat. Many patients have urinary frequency and urgency long before the first episode of UUI. So don't wait, talk to your doctor.

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