Incontinence is a common condition that involves the involuntary passing of urine or stool. While this is a medical problem that predominantly occurs in older patients, it can also affect younger individuals. Despite being a common medical ailment, there still seems to be stigma and a large amount of embarrassment surrounding the topic. We aim to break the taboo by outlining the details of this condition along with effective treatments and possible preventative measures.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence may include a small leak, an ongoing trickle after passing urine or even a total loss of bladder control. There are official terms for these subcategories:
Stress incontinence is the term used for certain instances (most commonly experienced by women) when small amounts of urine leak out while the bladder is under pressure. This may occur when laughing, sneezing or coughing.
Urge incontinence involves a sudden urge to pass urine that proceeds or comes after a urine leakage.
Overflow incontinence, also known as chronic urinary retention, is when a person finds it difficult to properly empty their bladder. This then leads to frequent leaking.
Total incontinence is the most severe type of urinary incontinence. It means that the bladder is unable to store any urine at all. This causes the sufferer to pass urine constantly or experience very frequent leaking.
Why it happens
Why you’re suffering from incontinence will depend on the specific type you suffer from. It is important to remember that incontinence is a symptom and not a disease itself; it’s therefore usually the result or a sign of something bigger—like an underlying condition. Some of the most common causes of urinary incontinence include consuming too much caffeine, smoking, weight issues, sudden changes in hormonal balance (most often due to pregnancy or menopause), childbirth, enlarged prostate and obstructions such as a tumor blocking the urinary tract. If you suffer from urinary incontinence, visit your doctor for a more thorough analysis of your condition.
Bowel incontinence
Bowel incontinence—sometimes referred to as faecal incontinence—can range from minor soiling when passing wind to complete lack of bowel control. The experience has been known to vary depending on the person. This form of incontinence is far less common than urinary incontinence.
Why it happens
In most cases, bowel incontinence is a result of another underlying medical condition. Long-term diseases that can cause it include diabetes, multiple sclerosis and dementia. Many of these, after long periods of time, can weaken the anal muscles and cause issues with bowel movements. If you suffer from bowel incontinence, visit your doctor for a detailed evaluation of your physical state.
Living with incontinence
Incontinence isn’t something to be ashamed of—there are coping methods and treatments available. It is also important to remind yourself that most types of incontinence won’t disappear on their own; ignoring the problem can lead to the condition worsening. In order to manage and treat both urinary and bowel incontinence, your doctor may begin by suggesting a change in diet and lifestyle. Keeping fit and maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for both strains of incontinence. You may need to review your diet and ensure that the food you consume allows you to avoid experiences of constipation and diarrhoea. Likewise, you may be told to cut down on alcohol and caffeinated beverages that trigger the production of extra urine from the kidneys.
As a preventative measure, medical physicians recommend women practice pelvic floor exercises to strengthen their muscles and urine control. This is sometimes necessary after giving birth. If your incontinence begins to worsen—or if your symptoms become unmanageable—you may be recommended various forms of medication or even surgery.
