Embarrassment, denial and misinformation keep many from seeking the help they need. U.I. is treatable with behavioral modifications, medications and surgical interventions. Urination is a complex process, involving a coordinated effort by the urinary structure, the brain and spinal cord. Women are more likely to have bladder control problems than men because of their anatomy. In the woman, the bladder, bladder neck and urethra are partially supported by the vagina and the striated muscles of the pelvic floor.
Muscle tone weakens within childbirth, age, and significant weight gain.
As estrogen levels decrease, the urethra loses its ability to compress. Transient incontinence is generally related to an acute illness or an infection, it will disappear when the trigger resolves. Chronic incontinence is on going. There are 5 primary types of incontinence. The type often seen in the TBI and the geriatric population are functional incontinence and overflow incontinence.