The Inconvenience of Incontinence
There are many causes of urinary incontinence such as drugs – some have a diuretic effect – carbonated drinks, caffeine, foods high in spice, sugar or acid especially as found in citrus drinks. This increases urine volume and stimulates the bladder, as does corn syrup, sedatives, heart or blood pressure meds, muscle relaxants, and large doses of vitamin B and C.
The cause of incontinence could be an underlying medical condition. The rectum and bladder share many of the same nerves. Compacted stool in the rectum tends to stimulate these nerves, causing an uptick in the urge to urinate.
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, irritates the bladder, causing strong urges to go and sometimes incontinence. A burning sensation and foul-smelling urine could mean an UTI. Other medical conditions could include a blockage in the urinary system and nerve and muscle problems.
Pregnancy, hormonal changes and the increased weight of the uterus can be a factor in incontinence. Menopause, when the level of estrogen starts to drop in a woman, could contribute to the deterioration of the pelvic floor muscles. Vaginal delivery of one or more babies could also be contributors to urinary incontinence. It can weaken the pelvic floor sling, causing the bladder, rectum, small intestine or uterus to push into the vagina. Such problems could be associated with urinary incontinence.