What is incontinence?
Incontinence is the medical term for being unable to hold back or control the release of urine (urinary incontinence) or faeces (faecal incontinence).
Types of Urinary Incontinence
There are several different types of urinary incontinence, each with different causes and symptoms.
- Stress Incontinence: Leakage of small amounts of urine due to sudden pressure on the bladder. (Coughing, laughing, exercising, bending)
- Urge Incontinence: Sudden urge to urinate that is so strong it cannot be held long enough to make it to the restroom. (Stroke, diabetes, urinary tract infections, dementia)
- Overflow: Involuntary urination when bladder fills beyond capacity. Bladder muscles are under pressure and unable to hold urine. A feeling of never being able to empty the bladder may be experienced. (Enlargement of the prostate gland, infection)
- Reflex: Involuntary urination without any sensation of a full bladder. It is possible to be completely unaware of the need to urinate when this happens, (Herniated disk, multiple sclerosis, vertebral palsy, spinal cord injury)
- Functional: Involuntary urination which occurs when an individual cannot get to the restroom fast enough. (restricted mobility, arthritis, crippling disorders)
Signs and Symptoms
Urinary incontinence can have different signs and symptoms depending on the underlying cause and severity. Some typical signs include:
- accidental leakage of urine without warning or without feeling the need to go to the toilet
- accidental leakage of urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing or exercising
- a sudden urge to rush to the toilet either before or when leaking urine
- urine escaping before reaching a toilet
- the need to get up to pass urine two or more times a night
Causes
There are many different causes of incontinence and, as a result, it can affect people at any age at any time. Potential causes include:
- damage or weakness to the muscles in the pelvic floor (most commonly due to pregnancy and childbirth)
- problems with the control of muscles in the bladder
- neurological conditions that affect the voluntary release of urine (such as spina bifida or multiple sclerosis)
- an enlarged prostate gland in men
- urinary tract infection
- type 2 diabetes
Urinary Incontinence is very common
Although the exact number of people affected by urinary incontinence is unknown (many people never visit a healthcare professional or reveal their symptoms), urinary incontinence is much more common than you might think.
Studies suggest that between 1 in 5 and 1 in 2 adult women are affected by urinary incontinence, many of whom live independent and active lives. And although urinary incontinence is less common in men, it still affects around 1 in 20 men aged 18 and above, and 1 in 10 men aged 60 and above.
Incontinence affects many people not just the elderly
Although incontinence becomes more common with advancing age, it's not just older people who are affected, many women during pregnancy and post pregnancy experience incontinence. Perhaps more importantly, effective solutions are available, so it shouldn't stop you from living a full and active life, whatever your age.
You can continue a social life with incontinence!
It's possible to manage incontinence effectively - and with the right solution there should be no need to worry about leaks, odor, toilet facilities or finding somewhere to change. Our incontinence specialist can you help find a solution that makes it possible to continue a social life and everyday activities.
Solutions
Some types of incontinence can be treated or improved through lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, medication or surgery. If a cure isn't possible or a temporary solution is required, products such as pads, absorbent underwear or briefs can be very helpful. Our incontinence specialist can help you find a solution to fit your needs.
