Possible Causes Of Incontinence In Women Who Have Not Given Birth
Posted on: 24 February 2022
It's common for women who have given birth to suffer from urinary incontinence afterward. Birth weakens the pelvic floor muscles, which can make it harder for a woman to hold her urine. But what if you're a woman who has not given birth, and yet you're still struggling with urinary incontinence? Here are some possible causes of your condition.
Constipation
When was the last time you defecated? How often, on average, would you say you go number two? If you don't defecate very often, you could be suffering from constipation. The built-up stool could be putting pressure on your bladder, causing you to have less control over your urination. If you believe you could be constipated, start eating more fiber and drinking more water. You may regain control over your urine once you start going number two more often.
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection results from the overgrowth of bacteria in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. Usually, a UTI causes other symptoms, like burning during urination. But sometimes, the only symptom may be urinary incontinence. Your doctor can diagnose a UTI by taking a simple sample of your urine. If you do have a UTI, taking antibiotics for a week or so can clear up the infection and give you relief from the related incontinence.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the myelin sheath that surrounds your nerves begins to wear away. Early symptoms include clumsiness, tingling in the extremities, and urinary incontinence. Some patients also experience fatigue, tremors, stiffness, and muscle spasms early in their disease progression. If you have any of these neurological symptoms in addition to incontinence, it's a good idea to see a neurologist and get tested for MS. While there is no cure, there are medications that can slow the progression of the disease.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are clumps of minerals that can sometimes form in the bladder. If you have a bladder stone, it may temporarily block your bladder opening, preventing you from emptying your bladder fully. Then, it may let some urine trickle out once it moves again. Bladder stones can be broken up with a laser, allowing you to pass them in your urine.
If you are struggling with urinary incontinence and have not given birth, then chances are, one of the above conditions is to blame. Talk to your doctor to learn more and to work on arriving at a diagnosis.
Share