Urinary incontinence

It is twice as common in women than in men. This problem has a profound effect on the life of a person, of both genders. In women it can be the cause of depression and isolation from social scene.

Continence and micturition are the result of the balanced activity of the muscles of the urinary bladder and urethra.

Under normal condition the urethral pressure normally exceeds the bladder pressure. This results in urine remaining in the bladder.

It is interesting to note that under normal condition while, coughing, laughing, or sneezing the intra-abdominal pressure results in an increase in both the urethral and bladder pressure, but as differential pressure remains the same there is no voiding of urine; Normal voiding takes place when urethral pressure reduces and bladder pressure rises.

Urinary incontinence results when there is imbalance in these two pressures for various reasons.

Polyurea may occur due to diabetes mellitus, central diabetes insipidus, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, brain disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, and spinal injury. Use of caffeine and colas may contribute to incontinence.

In men over forty, enlargement of prostate, or cancer of the prostate can contribute to this disease.

Use of certain medication, such as blood pressure medication, which tend to relax muscles leading to incontinence. Diuretics, which increase production of urine putting pressure on the bladed. Anti depressant, can act both ways, they can induce or retard incontinence.

Homeopathy has lot to offer on this subject, but treatment will depend on extremely careful case taking, based on “ Location, Sensation, Modality” and Concomitant symptoms, whether the approach is acute, constitutional, or miasmatic.