For many, the thought of wetting themselves in public is the stuff of nightmares. Yet this is the condition of thousands of adults suffering from involuntary loss of bladder control.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence has many causes. Sometimes it is related to pregnancy and childbearing. In men, it sometimes follows prostate surgery. Other causes are a thinning of the skin in the urethra during menopause, being obese and/or suffering from a urinary tract infection. Parkinson's disease, uncontrolled diabetes and multiple sclerosis are other common causes.
Types of Adult Incontinence
Stress Incontinence: This is an involuntary loss of bladder control through actions that put abdominal pressure on the bladder, such as laughing, coughing, sneezing or lifting items. This kind of adult incontinence is usually caused by a weakening of the pelvic muscles and frequently occurs after childbirth.
Urge Incontinence: The sufferer feels an overwhelming urge to urinate that cannot be controlled, almost as if there is no warning. This type of urinary incontinence is common among the elderly.
Overflow Incontinence: This refers to a constant dribbling of urine which may be caused by a tumor or enlarged prostate.
Adult Incontinence Products that can Help
There are several products doctors may prescribe or suggest in order alleviate or ameliorate the problem of incontinence for sufferers:
- Doctors may prescribe a medicine to block the nerve signals that cause loss of bladder control or drugs that work by helping to relax bladder muscles, preventing bladder spasms.
- Alpha blockers may be used to treat male incontinence. They relax the muscle of the prostate and bladder neck which prevents abnormal bladder contractions.
- Different medications may be prescribed depending on the cause of the incontinence. For example, antibiotics may be used to treat infections and different types of drugs will be prescribed to tighten or loosen the urinary tract.
- Incontinence diapers or pads are designed for loss of bladder control and are a great help in order to manage leakage. Not to be confused with sanitary towels, adult incontinence pads are designed with extra protection and absorbency to protect the dignity of the sufferer.
- Mattress protectors are available on the market to provide peace of mind for the sufferer as he or she sleeps at night.
Surgery for Loss of Bladder Control
Incontinence sufferers may have instant relief with certain simple surgical procedures:
- Artificial sphincter surgery involves implanting a device that keeps the urethra closed until the person concerned is ready to urinate.
- Sling procedures work by using a strip of natural or synthetic tissue to support the bladder neck. This is common for women whose bladders have moved out of their normal position, resulting in loss of bladder control.
- If a woman has a pelvic prolapse, a surgeon may recommend an anti-incontinence procedure with a prolapse repair.
Incontinence Support
The Internet teems with adult incontinence support groups. Health Central, for example is a support group site for all ages where sufferers can network and also get helpful tips, check symptoms and generally get support from a caring support group.
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Source:
Dischem Magazine Article "Embarrassing but Treatable", by Juliet Pitman, pages 99 and 100, 1 September 2009
Fleur Hupston - Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer based in Botswana, Southern Africa. From this unique perspective, she writes travel ...
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