Health

Incontinence, also known as involuntary loss of bladder control or “having an accident,” is a very embarrassing but treatable problem in women. You are not alone! It is actually quite common, affecting up to 18 million Americans and it is more common in women than in men. It is a leading reason for placement in nursing homes in the United States. Many women experience this after giving birth which is one risk factor but many others suffer from it as a consequence of other disabling conditions such as MS or a spinal cord injury. Incontinence is a hidden disability because others may not outwardly see the problem yet it can be so significant to the individual that she knows where every restroom in a 5 mile radius is located. It is a social disability as well because many choose not to go out or limit their activity, dramatically affecting their quality of life. This article defines the problem and discusses multiple treatment options.

Incontinence can mean that you leak urine but also that you have an urgent or a frequent need to use the restroom. It can be associated with a desire to urinate frequently at night (more than 2-3 times) which is called nocturia. Physicians will qualify what kind of incontinence you have based on your description of the problem: urgency, frequency, leakage during the day or night, or a combination of these symptoms. Women may also experience pelvic organ prolapse in addition to incontinence which is when the uterus, bladder, rectum, or bowel sags into the vagina or sometimes between the legs.