Female Urinary Incontinence in Sports Women
Urinary incontinence refers to the inability to control the release of urine from the bladder. In normal urination, bladder muscles contract releasing urine into the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. There is a relaxation of the urinary sphincter surrounding the urethra at the same time which permits the urine to pass through. Incontinence is due to the involuntary contraction or relaxation of these muscles resulting in leakage or uncontrolled urination.
Urinary incontinence may be mild, occasional leaking or chronic uncontrolled urination both of which are caused by some medical conditions. Short-term urinary incontinence can be caused by urinary tract or vaginal infection, constipation, and certain medications. Chronic conditions are caused by overactive bladder muscles, weakened pelvic muscles, certain diseases or surgery.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
There are four major types of urinary incontinence which are described below:
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence refers to the leakage owing to the pressure exerted on the bladder during activities like heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing, or even laughing. It is the most common bladder control problem among young and middle-aged women. In young people it could be caused by the weakness of the pelvic floor muscles or the effects of child birth. At menopause stress continence is a common problem among women.
Urge Incontinence or Overactive Bladder (OAB)
In this type of incontinence the person is unable to hold back the urine long enough though the coming is signaled by the urge. Urge incontinence common in people who have suffered a stroke or have certain chronic diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. It can also signal the onset of the cancer in the bladder.
Overflow Incontinence
This refers to the inability to empty the bladder completely which results in overflowing as new urine is produced. This condition is linked to diabetes and spinal cord injury.
Functional Incontinence
Functional incontinence is experienced by elderly, infirm, or disabled people who may have normal or near normal bladder control, but cannot get to the toilet in time because of functional disability like immobility or confusion.
Gross Total Incontinence
This refers to the continual leaking of urine from a bladder lacks storage capacity or functioning. Anatomical defects, spinal cord injuries, abnormal opening in the bladder (fistula) or after-effects of urinary tract surgery can cause such a condition.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
Sports injuries are a major cause of incontinence among young women. High-impact sports like parachuting, gymnastics and running are risky since the pelvic muscles and connective tissue of the bladder can get damaged when the athletes hit the ground hard.
Treatments for Urinary Incontinence
In most cases of urinary incontinence medications and surgery are the last resort. The following are some of the methods used to deal with urinary incontinence.
- Using absorbent pads
- Urinating more frequently
- Doing kegel exercises for muscle control
- Bladders training for urge incontinence
- Relaxation exercises when there is urge
- Electrical stimulation
- Biofeedback
- Hormone creams and implants.