Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder. It causes involuntary urine leakage. It means a person doesn’t have control over urination.

The control over the urinary sphincter is either lost or weakened. In some cases, you may empty your bladder’s contents completely. In other cases, you may experience minor urine leakage. The condition may be temporary or chronic, depending on its cause.

It is very important for you to learn how bad (severe) your symptoms are.

How bad is my urinary incontinence?

Mild: You may have occasional urinary leakage while coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising etc. Most of the time, mild symptoms can be safely managed at home by following the tips given in the section below.

Moderate: You may experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine. It may limit instrumental activities of daily life (preparing meals, managing money, shopping, doing housework, and using the telephone).

Severe: See your doctor if you wake up many times at night to urinate or urinating during sleep. It may limit self-care activities of daily life (eating, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, taking a bath or shower, and using the toilet).

Warning signs/severe symptoms of urinary incontinence that need immediate medical attention

• Trouble speaking or walking
• Weakness or tingling in any part of your body
• Loss of vision
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of bowel control

Keep track of your symptoms using Ankr (myAnkr web portal or the Ankr app). It will help you describe the discomfort to your doctor or nurse.

Supportive care for urinary incontinence

• Limit consumption of coffee and alcohol.
• Avoid foods (dairy products, citrus fruits, sugar, chocolate, soda, tea, and vinegar) that can irritate the bladder.
• Wear an absorbent pad inside your underwear or disposable incontinence underwear.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking.
• Physical therapy can help control your bladder. Kegel exercises help to strengthen the muscles that hold in urine. Electrical stimulation is used to strengthen muscles.
• Certain medications can help control your bladder
• Medical devices can help with bladder problems. A pessary is worn in the vagina to support the bladder.
• A vaginal cream with a low dose of estrogen can help with damage caused by menopause.
• Using a small, thin tube called a catheter through the urethra and into the bladder can help control leaks.

What caused my urinary incontinence?

• Bladder cancer
• Cancer of the urethra
• Prostate cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Brain or spinal cord cancers
• Lung cancer or esophageal cancer. 
• Radiation to the pelvic area
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery to the pelvic area