What are the clinical manifestations of urinary incontinence?

Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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The clinical manifestation of urinary incontinence is primarily the involuntary leakage of urine, where the patient lacks the ability to control urination. Diagnosis mainly involves reviewing the patient's medical history and a physical examination, which in most cases is sufficient to understand the type and cause of the incontinence. A urodynamic test is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. The contents of the urodynamic examination include the assessment of bladder and urethral function. If a patient exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, they should visit the urology department of a hospital for formal evaluation and treatment.

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Does postpartum urinary incontinence require surgery?

In cases of postpartum urinary incontinence, treatment should be selectively based on the individual condition of the mother. For those with mild postpartum urinary incontinence symptoms, normal recovery can be achieved through effective physical exercise and a period of rest and recuperation. However, in severe cases of urinary incontinence, surgery is also a treatment option. Therefore, the treatment for postpartum urinary incontinence should be determined based on the specific cause and severity of the condition. It is not limited to surgical treatment alone, so it is necessary to conduct an examination first and then choose the method of treatment.

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Will urinary incontinence heal itself after a vaginal delivery?

During natural childbirth, because it can damage pelvic floor function, causing issues such as bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse, and a series of other pelvic floor dysfunctions, some women may experience urinary incontinence after giving birth. If urinary incontinence occurs after natural childbirth, it suggests that the damage to the pelvic floor functions is quite severe, and these conditions generally cannot heal on their own. First, a pelvic floor function test should be conducted to assess the condition of the pelvic floor. If the damage to the pelvic floor is minor, it can be improved through machine-assisted treatment and performing Kegel exercises, which also help enhance pelvic floor functions. If the evaluation reveals severe prolapse, pelvic floor reconstructive surgery is required to suture the prolapsed bladder or uterus back into place, which can improve urinary incontinence. Therefore, urinary incontinence after natural childbirth generally does not heal on its own.

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Written by Wang Shuai
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Is urinary incontinence related to anything?

There are many causes of urinary incontinence. For example, the most common type, stress urinary incontinence, is related to the relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles and the bladder's detrusor muscle. Conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, as well as factors like being a mature mother or excessive obesity, can lead to stress urinary incontinence. Urgency urinary incontinence is often caused by severe bladder inflammation or associated with certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes or bladder neck sclerosis. Overflow incontinence, most commonly seen in elderly males, typically results from prostate enlargement that blocks the urethra, leading to urinary retention and consequently overflow incontinence. Therefore, to understand the specific causes of urinary incontinence, it is crucial first to differentiate the types of incontinence and combine this with the patient’s specific situation and related examinations for a clear diagnosis.

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What should I do if the skin is eroded due to urinary incontinence?

For patients suffering from urinary incontinence, it can greatly inconvenience normal work and daily life. Continuous leakage of urine can easily damage the skin around the genitals, causing the skin to ulcerate, itch, and even suppurate. In such cases, one can consider using a catheter to drain the urine, and then treat the affected skin area for infections. Topical application of iodine for disinfection may be used, and if necessary, medications such as Lotion Calamine can be applied for treatment. Usually, once the skin is no longer exposed to urine, the ulcerated skin will gradually heal over one to two weeks. However, it is also crucial to actively determine the causes of urinary incontinence and treat the underlying condition based on those causes. (Use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Vulvar itching and occasional urinary incontinence, what could be the reason?

When a woman experiences itching of the vulva and occasional urinary incontinence, it is generally considered that there is an inflammation in the vulva that has infected the urethra leading to symptoms of urinary incontinence. Because the vulva is close to the urethral opening, if there is inflammation at the vulva, it can infect the urethral opening and cause a urinary tract infection. It is advised to visit the gynecology clinic of a local formal hospital for examination. Treatment should follow the clinical doctor's guidance based on the examination results. One should not self-medicate to avoid adverse effects. During the treatment period, maintain cleanliness and dryness of the vulva, wear loose, breathable underwear, and change frequently.