Most prevalent form of incontinence in women
Stress incontinence occurs when physical movement or activities like coughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting puts pressure on the bladder. This pressure is the cause of “stress” and results in bladder leakage.
Also known as overactive bladder
Overactive bladder occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily, even when the volume of urine in your bladder is low. This involuntary contraction creates the urgent need to urinate. Although it’s not uncommon among older adults, overactive bladder isn’t a normal part of aging.
A little of this and a little of that
Mixed incontinence occurs when symptoms of both the stress and urgency types of incontinence are present. Often, symptoms of one type of incontinence may be more severe than the other.
Too much left in the tank
Bowel Incontinence occurs if the pelvic floor muscles or sphincters become weakened or do not function properly, stool can slip through the musculature and out the anal canal.
A Logistics, logistics, logistics
Functional incontinence is less about a disorder and more about not getting to the bathroom in time. Most common with the elderly or disabled, functional incontinence occurs when a sufferer physically cannot get to a bathroom before an episode.
There is a difference
Urinary incontinence is not a disease, it’s a symptom and such is absolutely curable. There are many options for treatment on the market, some more appealing, permanent and affordable than others.
Padding the problem
Absorbent pads and catheters are a popular treatment option, but not a cure for urinary incontinence. For some individuals, urinary incontinence products are a temporary strategy until they address and resolve the underlying cause of their incontinence. A recent study showed pad use was associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Prescribed by your doctor
Prescription medications are available to treat urge incontinence (overactive bladder). As with any medication, there is the risk of side effects and any positive effects realized by the drug are gone if you decide to discontinue its use.
Shown most success in clinical studies
Certain medical devices utilize electrical muscle stimulation for urinary and fecal incontinence and have been found to clinically cure incontinence. This method of treatment has gained popularity as it is an effective, safe, non-invasive treatment for stress, urge, mixed urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence.
Non-invasive but time consuming
Depending on the severity, type or underlying cause of incontinence, your doctor may recommend these treatments first to help strengthen and train your pelvic floor and bladder.
Strengthening the pelvic floor
Therapists will often utilize bladder training, biofeedback, pelvic floor muscle exercises and electrical muscle stimulation in an office or clinic setting. Typically utilizing various techniques and incorporating certain medical devices.
Painful and not necessarily permanent
Approximately 11 percent of patients seeking treatment for urinary incontinence will undergo surgery. Depending on type of incontinence, different procedures are available. Most require physical therapy post-surgical procedure.
Many possible causes of incontinence
There are many possible causes of incontinence in men and women, sometimes with multiple causes occurring at the same time. When multiple causes occur, it can make diagnosis difficult. However correct diagnosis is key to an effective treatment.
Life events are often the cause of urinary incontinence, whether it’s aging or bearing children. Urinary incontinence may also appear as a side effect of a medication prescribed for a non-urinary problem or caused by bladder or urinary tract infections.
Proper diagnosis essential to treating incontinence
Urinary incontinence is not something that you have to live with and it is not something that is going to go away on its own. There are many options available to treat your bladder leakage and improve your quality of life.
What makes you susceptible
Being female and advancing in age are the two most common risk factors for incontinence, but they’re not the only ones. What cannot be understated is that left untreated, urinary incontinence can lead to infections and other more serious health problems.
Clinical research is vital to form critical opinions and ensure the health of the population. Investigate the results of clinical studies performed on the leading incontinence treatment options from medications to medical devices.
Keep up to date on the latest news and advancements in the treatment of incontinence.
Organizations and associations from around the globe that provide information on incontinence treatments and management techniques.
You have questions, our clinicians have answers. Not sure about the cause or treatments available for your bladder leakage? We’re here to help.
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