Dr Arun B

MS MCh Urology

Senior Consultant Urologist

Sree Gokulam Medical College,

Venjaramoodu.

Urinary incontinence in elderly females - Can it be considered as a part of normal aging process ?

Urinary incontinence in elderly females is a fairly common occurrence and is oft considered as a part of normal aging process. As a result of this misconception majority of them suffer in silence.

Urinary incontinence is primarily of two types

1.  Stress urinary incontinence, wherein the person leaks urine during coughing, sneezing etc. This is due to weakening of supports of urethra and may require surgical treatment. 

2.  Urge urinary incontinence, wherein the person cannot hold the urge to urinate and often will pass a few drops of urine before she reaches the toilet. Such type of incontinence occurs as a result of bladder muscle overactivity and is very much amenable to treatment with bladder relaxant drugs.