Urinary incontinence in simple language means to lose normal control over the passage of urine. Although not uncommon in men, a lot of women, often are affected and hence seek the advice of Homeopath. All the cases, be it of a male or a female, are amenable to Homeopathy. But that is for the later part of the article to discuss. Right now, let’s focus on understanding the disease in its entirety.
As I already mentioned, the cause is loss of control over the passage of urine. So, the lack of control can manifest itself in a different manner in different individuals
Types of Urinary incontinence
Stress Urinary incontinence:
In some person, activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, may elicit pressure on the bladder wall which the body is unable to withstand. Hence, leakage of urine occurs.
Urge Urinary incontinence:
In these cases, the person may experience a sudden and an immediate urge to pass the urine. And in fact, s/he ends up losing the control and passes the urine before even reaching the loo.
Overflow Urinary incontinence:
Here the affected person’s bladder can not empty the bladder effectively. Also, as a result, a little amount of urine leaks constantly. Maybe dribbling involuntarily, the bladder has no sense of retaining the urine when it is full/near full.
Mixed Urinary incontinence:
These patient suffer from all the subtypes of urinary incontinence.
Dietary Factors which can induce urinary incontinence.
Coffee, colas, energy drinks, tea, etc. contains a heavy dose of caffeine. Caffeine aggravates the Urinary incontinence.
Also, any liquor containing beverages do the same.
Furthermore, a heavy dose of citrus fruits, as well as Vitamin C can increase the difficulty of an already affected person.
Some food items which are specifically high in its sugar content, or are spicier, often tend to aggravate the condition. As also that food which has in it, artificial sweeteners, do induce or aggravate urinary leakage.
Add chocolate to the above list.
Other factors that influence Urinary incontinence
If a person takes tablets for blood pressure, or any drugs for the heart, the already present condition of urinary incontinence may be precipitated. The same thing applies to a dose of sleep-inducing medicines, or drugs for relaxing the muscles.
Disease condition in which urinary incontinence is a symptom
Further, some disease condition has a symptom of urinary incontinence. As for example, Urinary tract infections, and sometimes, constipation, which irritates the bladder. Yet other Neurological disease condition such as Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, some Spinal lesions, some space-occupying lesion in the brain directly influences the centers of control of muscle guarding the passage, thus giving rise to incontinence.
Other conditions which influence Urinary incontinence
Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause or post Hysterectomy in women induce Urinary incontinence. Prostatic Hypertrophy or Prostatic cancer in men is the reason for incontinence.
Factors which are at least partially under our control are being overweight and taking tobacco. This induces incontinence.
Risk in females and persons with advanced age is high.
The risk of incontinence is raised in those people with a positive family history.
Psychosomatic element
There are some elements in the mind of the person, which accompanies this physical manifestation of urine leak. It may have to do with anxiety or frustration, or maybe depression.
Effects of Urinary incontinence on a person’s life
Occasional occurrences may or may not show any hindrance in daily routine. But moderate to severe leakage of urine affects the mind of a person in a major way.
Continuous leakage of urine affects productivity.
The affected person often avoids any or all kind of social interactions.
The chances of Interpersonal relations getting affected are very high.
Bodily rashes at the urinary region or all over the body
Urinary tract infection
What can you do to cope with Urinary incontinence?
- Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercise
- Avoid the listed food items
- Eat food rich in fibers to prevent constipation
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- There is one more thing you can do and that is, seek the help of a Homeopath.
A homeopath will understand your case and note down the severity of the illness. Also, s/he takes into account the frequency and duration of the symptoms. Among other things, a Homeopath will try to elicit the state of your mind. Further, s/he notes down some life situation after which the manifestation may have started. In short, expect a thorough case taking from a Homeopath. This is very important to come to a conclusion about the remedy which is needed. The remedy differs on a case to case basis.
Homeopathy is better placed to correct the problem of Urinary incontinence.