Urinary
Incontinence
Many women leak small amounts of urine at times. When
leakage of urine becomes frequent or severe enough
to become a problem, it is called urinary incontinence.
If you have symptoms of urinary incontinence, tell
your doctor. Urinary incontinence is more common in
women than in men. Women sometimes do not tell their
doctor about their symptoms of urinary incontinence.
In normal voiding, the muscles around the urethra
relax, the bladder contracts, and urine flows from
the bladder to the urethra and out of the body. When
the bladder is almost empty, the muscles around the
urethra contract, the bladder relaxes, and the stream
of urine stops flowing. Women who have urinary incontinence
may leak urine often. Urinary incontinence may be
caused by pelvic support problems (cystourethrocele
and cystocele) or urinary tract abnormalities (fistula
and diverticulum). Urinary incontinence may occur
because of an infection of the urinary tract.
Bowell
Control Problems
Loss of normal control of the bowels is called fecal
incontinence. Many women are not comfortable talking
about bowel control problems. If you know or suspect
you have a bowel control problem, tell your doctor
about your symptoms. Normal bowel function requires
healthy muscles and nerves in the rectum and pelvis.
Problems in this area can lead to loss of bowel control.
Injury to the anal sphincter muscles-this can cause
stool or gas to leak from the rectum. The most common
cause of bowel control problems is childbirth. In
some cases, the doctor may prescribe a medication
to prevent diarrhea or constipation and help you have
regular bowel movements. In some cases, surgery may
help correct loss of bowel control. Irritable Bowel
Syndrome: A noninflammatory condition of the bowels
that may cause cramping, diarrhea, or constipation.
Staying
Healthy at All Ages
Women of all ages can stay healthy by getting regular
health care. Women in certain age groups have special
health care needs. Some women may have risk factors
that require further care. Keeping track of certain
tests-as well as the results of those tests-will help
prevent health problems. Some health problems are
more likely to occur at certain ages (see the boxes
"Leading Causes of Illness in Women" and "Leading
Causes of Death in Women"). Many women have risk factors
that may require further screening tests (Table 2).
Some people are more likely than others to have certain
health problems. Also, where you live, your lifestyle,
and your personal and family medical history play
a role in the type of health care you may need. Immunizations
are injections (shots) that help prevent infections.
Find your age range in the table and see what tests
and immunizations you should have at your age. If
you don't remember when you were last tested or immunized,
your doctor may be able to test you to see if you
are immune to the disease.
