Urinary Incontinence Flashcards
What is urinary incontinence?
A condition in which involuntary loss of urine is a medical, social, or hygienic problem and is objectively demonstrable (Canadian Continence Foundation, 2007)
Approx. how many Canadians are affected by UI?
3.3 million
How many persons over the age of 65 live with UI?
1/5
Which gender is more likely to be affected by UI?
Women are 2x more likely than men
(T/F) UI is a normal part of aging
F
(T/F) UI is expected after childbirth
F
(T/F) UI is treatable in ways other than surgery
T
(T/F) UI should be accepted and managed by using pads/pills
F
(T/F) Approximately half of those who suffer from UI do not consult a HC professional
T
What is the brain’s role in maintaining continence?
- Cortical awareness of bladder fullness is located in the post-central gyrus
- Initiation of micturition is in the pre-central gyrus
- Voluntary control of micturition is located in the frontal cortex
What is the spinal cord’s role in maintaining continence?
- When the bladder is distended, activation of sympathetic outflow (T11-L2) maintains DETRUSOR MUSCLE relaxation, and continence
- Parasympathetic nerve activation (S2-4) contracts detrusor muscle and relaxes INTERNAL SPHINCTER to allow voiding
What are the 5 requirements of continence?
- Intact lower urinary tract function
- Intact brain and spinal cord
- Cognitive ability to recognize urge to void
- Functional ability to get to toilet on time (and suppress urge until you get there)
- Motivation to maintain continence
What are some age-related changes in the lower urinary tracts?
- Dec. bladder capacity
- Dec. sensation of bladder filling
- Dec. speed of contraction of detrusor muscle
- Dec. pelvic floor muscle
- Dec. sphincter resistance
- Dec. urinary flow rate
- ^ urinary frequency
- ^ post-void residual volume
- outflow tract obstruction (men)
What is stress incontinence?
Urine leaks when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting something heavy
What is urge incontinence?
Sudden intense urge to pee followed by involuntary void. May have need to urinate often/ during the night. May be caused by minor condition (infection) or severe condition (neurologic disorder/ diabetes)