Incontinence: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
If you're 18 or older and have experienced trouble controlling your bladder, you may be diagnosed with urinary incontinence. It's a common problem, especially for women — over 30% will experience it at some point in their lives. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to combat this condition!
In this blog post, we’ll explore what urinary incontinence is, its potential causes, treatments, and how to know if you’re experiencing it.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (also known as incontinence of the bladder) is a condition where you cannot control or fully empty your bladder. It can occur for various reasons, but many common causes are preventable, which we'll discuss below.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can stem from multiple factors, including age, childbirth, and lifestyle habits. Here are some of the primary causes:
1. Ageing
As we age, our bodies tend to retain more fluid, leading to issues with urine retention and incontinence. As a result, older adults are more likely to experience this condition than younger people.
2. Childbirth
Giving birth can strain the body, particularly the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the likelihood of urinary incontinence later in life. If your doctor believes you're at risk due to childbirth, they may suggest pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes to prevent complications.
3. Clothing Choice
Wearing the wrong clothing can contribute to incontinence. Tight or restrictive clothing can put pressure on your bladder, causing unintentional leakage. Conversely, excessively loose clothing can reduce urine production. Opting for loose-fitting clothing may help reduce the risk.
4. Exercise
Exercise is essential for overall health, but overdoing it can strain the pelvic floor muscles, causing weakness over time. High-impact exercises, like jumping, may exacerbate incontinence. Over time, however, building strength can help alleviate symptoms.
5. Muscle Tension
Prolonged stress and anxiety can weaken pelvic floor muscles, especially in women. Hormonal changes and emotional stress can heighten the risk of urinary incontinence.
6. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Too much alcohol can weaken the bladder and paralyse pelvic muscles, leading to incontinence. Reducing alcohol intake can help manage symptoms.
7. Medication
Certain medications, particularly antidepressants and treatments for anxiety, are associated with urinary incontinence. If you're taking medication and experiencing incontinence, consult your doctor to explore alternative treatments.
8. Physical Conditions
Incontinence can also result from medical procedures or conditions, including:
- Prostatectomy: Men who have had their prostate removed may be at higher risk of urinary incontinence, particularly if the surgery occurred later in life.
Tips to Prevent Urinary Incontinence
While urinary incontinence can impact your quality of life, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from developing this condition:
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both of these substances can lead to bladder problems. Caffeine dehydrates the body, weakening the bladder, while alcohol interferes with nerve signals responsible for urination.
- Exercise regularly: Keeping up a workout regime will help keep your bladder muscles strong. Regular exercise also helps clear fluids from the body, preventing them from being retained and contributing to incontinence.
Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence treatments vary depending on the severity and underlying cause. Some of the most effective solutions include:
- Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic muscles can improve bladder control.
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, managing weight, and choosing the right clothing can all help alleviate symptoms.
- Medical treatments: In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary to manage more severe cases of incontinence.
Feel free to explore our full range of incontinence solutions here!
Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance.
