Urinary Incontinence: Overview
Approximately 40% ofwomen and 6% of men experience urinary incontinence. For some, it occurs occasionally. For others, it may happen frequently enough to require change of clothing or wearing protective pads. Urinary incontinence can develop due to:
• Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
• Age-related changes such as menopause
• Urinary tract infections or chronic bladder inflammation
• Pelvic surgery or radiation therapy
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Stroke, spinal cord injury, or other neurological conditions Types of urinary incontinence:
• Stress urinary incontinence. It occurs when pressure inside the abdomen increases due to sneezing or laughing, and often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles or after a prostate surgery.
• Urge urinary incontinence. It is a sudden urge to urinate followed by leakage before reaching the restroom, and is associated with overactive bladder, bladder irritation, urinary tract infections, or neurological disorders such as stroke or spinal cord injury.
• Mixed urinary incontinence. This is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Treatment is tailored according to which symptoms are most troublesome.
• Overflow incontinence. It occurs when the bladder cannot empty completely, and when overly full, leaks continuously.
• Functional (psychogenic) incontinence. In this type, bladder junction is normal, but cognitive disorders such as dementia prevent a person from recognizing or responding appropriately to the need to urinate.
• True urinary incontinence. It results from structural abnormalities involving the urinary tract, causing continuous urine leakage.
In traditional eastern medicine, urinary incontinence is treated with custom herbal formulas and acupuncture by strengthening pelvic floor muscles, supporting normal bladder function, improving circulation, and restoring overall balance. A personalized treatment plan can improve bladder control, boost confidence and provide a better quality of life. — Dr. Yeung H. Kwon, L.Ac, OMD, Ph.D
Dr. Yeung H. Kwon
