Do you cross your legs when you feel like sneezing? A sudden urge to go makes you nervous? Does the leak just happen randomly, without notice?
It is estimated that about half of adult women experience urinary incontinence (UI). But of those who live with the symptoms, less than half seek care. Common reasons for delaying treatment for UI vary from embarrassment to fear of surgery to not knowing about treatment options.
Below you will find a brief description of the UI styles in women and their icons. You’ll also learn how primary care physicians and women’s health specialists diagnose UI.
Types of water incontinence
There are four different types of urinary tract infections: stress-free, stress-related, mixed stress-related and non-stress-related. Each type of UI comes with its own symptoms. Let’s talk about the different types of UI and the icons they are known for:
1. Anxiety is not anxiety
Stress incontinence refers to any physical pressure on the stomach or bladder that forces urine to escape. This can be through laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects or doing certain exercises. Anxiety disorders are common in young women.
2. Beginning of dissatisfaction
Urinary incontinence occurs when you have a strong, persistent urge to urinate. This type of UI is caused by a strained bladder that expels urine and is often called an overactive bladder. Bleeding is more common in women’s later years although it can occur in younger women, too.
3. Mixed disbelief
Combined urinary incontinence refers to the presence of stress and urge incontinence. Most women with urinary incontinence have a component of both stress and hunger.
4. Overloading
Inability to overeat is caused by overcrowding of the intestines. When your bladder is too full, urine will leak. This can be from not being able to empty your bowels fully during urination, or not realizing you have to go. Using this type of UI, your bowel movement can be continuous.
Symptoms of urinary incontinence in women
Symptoms of UI in women can vary from person to person. If you are not sure if you have a urinary tract infection, pay attention to the following symptoms:
- Leaking urine when you sneeze, laugh or cough
- You feel like your bowels are not completely empty
- You feel like you need peepe
- Often wakes up in the middle of the night with a headache
- You feel like you need a shave right after you go
- Avoiding certain activities because you are afraid to jump
- Running to the bathroom because you’re going to poop if you don’t do it in time
- Suddenly realizing that you need to move all the time
How to diagnose urinary incontinence
Typically, your doctor or midwife will talk to you and perform a pelvic exam, so they can check the health of your pelvic organs such as the pelvis, uterus and rectum. There are several ways your doctor can recommend to diagnose your condition and find out what might be causing it to die.
Keeping a bathroom journal
You may be asked to keep a bathroom journal before or after your appointment. In your diary, you will enter all your bathing trips and any bladder leaks or problems. It can also help to record what you eat and drink in your bladder journal. This record will help your doctor know more about your symptoms and how often they occur. Keeping a journal can also determine what triggers your need to cut or any accidents.
Urine test
For a urine test, you will give a small sample. The laboratory will examine various factors such as acidity, nature, concentration and the presence of diseases.
Bladder ultrasound
During a bladder ultrasound, the nurse will move a hand-held device across your abdomen to measure the amount of urine left in your bladder after voiding.
Urodynamic test
Your doctor may recommend other tests that measure bowel function. A urodynamic test measures how well your bladder, urethra and sphincter muscles work together to store and release urine.
Cystoscopy
This procedure allows your doctor to use a small camera to examine your urethra and bladder.
Don’t ignore the signs of dissatisfaction
Feeling unsure about your first step? Remember, not being satisfied doesn’t stop you from enjoying everyday life and your schedule. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can be life-changing.
If you think you may have a urinary tract infection, see your primary care doctor or gynecologist. They will answer any questions you may have and guide you to the treatment that will work best for you. If more advanced care is needed, your doctor may also refer you to a urogynecology specialist.
