Urinary incontinence, or the inability to control your bladder, is a condition that affects many men over the age of 50. Although it can be an uncomfortable topic, it's important to understand that urinary incontinence is common and treatable.
If you're experiencing leakage, urgency, or frequent urination, talking to your doctor is an important first step in effectively managing the condition.
Here's what to expect during the diagnostic process.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Before discussing diagnostic tests, it's important to understand the different types of urinary incontinence:
Stress incontinence: Urine leaks when pressure is exerted on the bladder, such as coughing or lifting heavy objects.
Urge incontinence: A sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.
Overflow incontinence: When your bladder doesn't empty completely, resulting in frequent or continuous leakage.
Functional incontinence: Occurs when a physical or mental problem prevents you from getting to the bathroom in time.
What Tests Will Your Doctor Do?
To determine the type of incontinence you have and its underlying cause, your healthcare provider may use a variety of diagnostic tests. Here are the most common ones:
1. Uroflowmetry
Purpose: Uroflowmetry measures how much and how fast your urine flows. This test helps determine if there is a blockage or if your bladder muscles are working properly.
How it's done: During this test, you urinate into a special toilet or funnel that collects your urine and measures its flow rate. It's especially useful for diagnosing conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can slow the flow of urine.
2. Bladder Diary
Purpose: A bladder diary helps you keep track of your urination patterns, including how often you urinate, when you leak, and possible triggers. It's useful for identifying patterns related to your incontinence.
How it's done: Over several days, you'll record details about your fluid intake, bathroom visits, and any leaks.
3. Urine Analysis
Purpose: This test looks for signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities in your urine that may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney problem.
How it's done: A urine sample is analyzed in a laboratory to check for infection or other problems that affect bladder control.
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4. Postvoid residual (PVR) measurement
Purpose: This test measures how much urine remains in your bladder after you pass urine. If a significant amount remains, it may indicate incomplete emptying, which is often associated with overflow incontinence.
How it's done: After you urinate, your healthcare provider will use a catheter or ultrasound to measure the amount of urine left in your bladder.
5. Urodynamic tests
Purpose: This series of tests evaluates the bladder's ability to store and release urine. It helps your healthcare provider determine if there are problems with bladder pressure, flow, or muscle function.
How it's done: Your bladder is filled with fluid through a catheter, and sensors measure pressure inside the bladder.
What Happens After Diagnosis?
Urinary incontinence is not an unavoidable part of aging, but it is a treatable condition. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you're experiencing urinary incontinence, especially if you're a man over the age of 50, speak with your healthcare provider about the best options for regaining control and comfort.
Are you a male over the age of 50?
Notice any of these signs?
✔️ A weak or interrupted urine flow
✔️ Frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom
✔️ Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
If any of these apply to you, you may have benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
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ref.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/expert-answers/adult-bed-wetting/faq-20058456 https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/bed-wetting-in-adults https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15075-bedwetting
*Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide any medical advice. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.