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RatgeberSchwache Blase: What is behind it?

Millions of women suffer from involuntary urine loss. However, most do not know much about the problem that directly affects them, although that would make things easier for those affected.

Involuntary loss of urine is especially in the public very uncomfortable for those affected.
Photo: iStock // Tharakorn

There are many different types of incontinence and various causes of the problem. Knowing which species is affected and what causes it can help to better manage it. This makes life significantly less stressful and the conscious enjoyment is finally easier again.

Different types of incontinence

Bladder weakness, leakage, irritable bladder: For the problem of incontinence there are many terms that ultimately describe the same problem, namely the sudden loss of urine. For affected women, it may be beneficial to know the three main types of incontinence: stress, urgency and mixed incontinence.

Urge incontinence: sudden urination

  • A typical behavior of sufferers of urge incontinence is to look around immediately for the next toilet at each location. Why? Because they almost always feel the urge to go to the bathroom - even if they have just done so. Even at night, patients with this diagnosis find little rest, because the bladder relentlessly asks for "emptying".

Urge incontinence is also commonly referred to as the presence of an overactive bladder with involuntary urine loss. The cause of this type of bladder weakness is unknown so far, but it is believed that the receptors in the bladder musculature send erroneous signals to the brain. This creates the feeling that the bladder is fuller than it actually is.

The urge incontinence is influenced by many factors, such. As by excessive or insufficient drinking, urinary tract infections, constipation and the intake of certain drugs. For the treatment of sudden urinary urgency, the following may be tried:

  • drink more or less than usual
  • Avoid coffee, black tea and energy drinks because these drinks can irritate the bladder

Many women encounter the symptoms of urge incontinence with protective pads or protective underwear. Such products make it possible for the affected women to come through the day confidently and safely, because the urine is quickly sucked from the surface into the core and safely trapped on the exit.

Stress incontinence: The most common type of bladder weakness

If coughing, laughing, sneezing, jumping or heavy lifting leads to unwanted urine loss, stress incontinence is probably responsible. This form of bladder weakness is the most common among women.

Stress incontinence occurs in most women when the pelvic floor muscles supporting the bladder are weakened. When we laugh, jump, cough, or lift something heavy, the pressure on the bladder increases, and the pelvic floor muscles can not contract enough to hold all the urine in the bladder. Normally, only small amounts of urine leak out.

By regularly practicing pelvic floor exercises, the pelvic floor muscles can be trained so that leakage can be better prevented. Of course, in everyday life - just as in urge incontinence - also protective panty liners, insoles or protective underwear help.

Incontinence: something of everything

A mixed incontinence is mentioned when both a stress incontinence, ie involuntary loss of urine pressure on the abdomen, as well as a urge incontinence, ie an overactivity of the bladder, is present. In many cases, one of the forms is more pronounced than the other.

Again, regular pelvic floor exercises are the best way to counteract the problem. Incidentally, this is generally true for all types of incontinence. Five minutes a day can make a big difference in the long run and significantly reduce the risk of leakage. Of course, also in mixed incontinence appropriate deposits help to get through the day safer.

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