see also Incontinence of Urine in Elderly
Involuntary urination can be due to weakness of the pelvic floor or prolapse of the uterus (leakage of urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing, running, lifting things, etc., with dragging pain between legs - see Stress Incontinence, Uterus Problems), Irritable Bladder (sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate), Prostate Problems (urgency and frequency, dribbling after flow has stopped), bladder and urethral infections (urgency, frequency, scalding pain on passing urine, having to get up in night - see Cystitis, or the result of injury (Injury to kidneys, bladder or urethra). Lower abdominal surgery can also cause temporary loss of control. Urinary incontinence can also be a part of Senile Dementia. It may also occur during Epileptic Fits. Suitable homeopathic remedies are listed under each of the conditions mentioned above.
If loss of control is accompanied by sudden weakness, confusion, dizziness, numbness, paralysis or great heaviness in any part of the body, blurred vision, slurred or difficult speech, or loss of consciousness, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 2 hours since a Stroke may have occurred. If, after an accident of some kind, there is weakness, numbness, paralysis and loss of bowel as well as bladder control, Spinal Cord Injury should be suspected; contact Emergency Medical Services and give Arnica 30c every 5 minutes for up to 10 doses until help arrives; Hypericum 6c, given 4 times daily for up to 7 days, will aid recovery.
Self-help: The best way of toning up weak pelvic floor muscles, especially after childbirth, is to practice stopping and starting the flow of urine several times while urinating. Standing, tucking the coccyx in, and tightening the muscles around the anus has a similar toning effect.
In elderly people, problems can be minimized by establishing a regular pattern of urination; use an alarm clock if necessary, and set it to go off every 2 or 3 hours. Bedtime drinks should be kept to a minimum. If there is a problem getting to the toilet quickly, use a chamber pot or commode. |
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