I know, I know. No one wants to talk about incontinence. But if it’s happening to you, we’re sure you would like to learn more about it, especially if there is good news. But first, let’s try to understand a little more about it.
What is incontinence? To sum it up, it’s the opposite of continence, or the ability to control your bladder and bowel. Medically, it is classified into two types – urinary and fecal. Whether it’s one or the other, or both, it can impact one’s life considerably and put one in an uncomfortable situation. It can happen at any time and often leads to the person reducing their normal daily and social activities to avoid any possible embarrassment.
Why does it happen? The National Institute on Aging explains it best. “Incontinence can happen for many reasons, including urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, or constipation. Some medications can cause bladder control problems that last a short time. When incontinence lasts longer, it may be due to:
- Weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles
- Overactive bladder muscles
- Damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease
- Diseases such as arthritis that may make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time
- Pelvic organ prolapse, which is when pelvic organs (such as the bladder, rectum, or uterus) shift out of their normal place into the vagina or anus. When pelvic organs are out of place, the bladder and urethra are not able to work normally, which may cause urine to leak.
Most incontinence in men is related to the prostate gland. Male incontinence may be caused by:
- Prostatitis, a painful inflammation of the prostate gland
- Injury or damage to nerves or muscles from surgery
- An enlarged prostate gland, which can lead to benign prostate hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate grows as men age.”
Urine leakage is the most common. There are several types of bladder leakage.
- Stress incontinence: Urine leakage occurs during a physical activity which might include coughing or sneezing, lifting an object, exercising, or even laughing.
- Overflow incontinence: Weak bladder muscles can cause the bladder not to empty properly when going to the bathroom. This often happens to men with prostate issues causing a blocked urethra.
- Urge incontinence: There’s something to be said about going to the bathroom when you first feel the urge. This type of leakage happens when one waits too long and can’t make it to the toilet in time or remove the underclothes fast enough.
- Functional incontinence: This happens when one has a condition such as arthritis or other mobility condition which makes one move slower and therefore, not get to the bathroom quickly enough.
- Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinences.
- Dementia incontinence: Many people who suffer from Alzheimer’s or other dementia may not realize they have a need to use the bathroom and an involuntary evacuation occurs when the body can no longer hold it.
But let’s get to the good news. There are a variety of treatments which make it more possible to live with the condition. The National Institute on Aging lays it out:
“Bladder control training
- Pelvic muscle exercises (also known as Kegel exercises) strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, which can help you hold urine in your bladder and avoid leaks. Learn more about pelvic floor exercises and how to do them.
- Urgency suppression helps control strong urges to urinate so you can make it to a toilet on time. For example, you can try distracting yourself to help keep your mind off needing to urinate, taking long relaxing breaths, holding still, and squeezing the pelvic floor muscles.
- Timed voiding is used to help control your bladder through scheduling time to urinate. For example, you can set a plan to urinate every hour. As time goes on, you can slowly extend the time between toilet breaks.
Medical treatments
- Medications that come in a pill, liquid, or patch may be prescribed to help with bladder control problems. However, some medications for overactive bladder have been associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline in adults over age 65. Talk with your doctor about what medications, if any, would work best for you.
- Vaginal estrogen cream may help relieve urge or stress incontinence. A low dose of estrogen cream is applied directly to the vaginal walls and urethral tissue.
- Bulking agents can be used to help close the bladder opening. Doctors can inject a bulking gel or paste that thickens the area around the urethra. This can reduce stress incontinence but may need to be repeated.
- Medical devices may also be used to manage urinary incontinence, such as a catheter that drains urine from your bladder; a urethral insert that helps prevent leakage; and a vaginal pessary ring that provides pressure to lessen leakage.
- Biofeedback uses sensors to make you aware of signals from your body. This may help you regain control over the muscles in your bladder and urethra.
- Electrical nerve stimulation sends mild electric currents to the nerves around the bladder that help control urination and your bladder’s reflexes.
- Surgery can sometimes improve or cure incontinence if it is caused by a change in the position of the bladder or blockage due to an enlarged prostate.
Behavioral and lifestyle changes
Changing your lifestyle may help with bladder problems. Losing weight, quitting smoking, saying “no” to alcohol, choosing water instead of other drinks, and limiting drinks before bedtime can help with some bladder problems. Preventing constipation and avoiding lifting heavy objects may also help with incontinence. Even after treatment, some people still leak urine from time to time. There are bladder control products and other solutions, including disposable briefs or underwear, furniture pads, and urine deodorizing pills that may help.”
The Incontinence Program at NIT specializes in behavioral and exercise training and has shown great success with their patients. Call today to learn more.
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