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Incontinence is defined as an involuntary leakage of urine. This disorder affects millions of Americans and is usually a side effect of an underlying medical condition. Incontinence effects mostly older adults over 50 and can be a great source of distress and embarrassment. Read on to discover the causes and treatment options for incontinence.

Causes of Incontinence

• Polyuria – Polyuria is when the body creates excess urine. This medical condition is usually caused by diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. The condition causes an increased urgency and frequency is urination. It does not always lead to incontinence.

• Excess fluid intake – Increased amounts of fluid, especially caffeine and coffee can over stimulate the bladder.

• Enlarged prostate – This is the most common cause in men over the age of 50. Men who suffer from prostate cancer can also have urinary incontinence.

• Brain disorders – Disorders such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and other trauma to the spine and brain can interfere with nerves that control the bladder.

There are several types of incontinence with the most common being:

• Stress Incontinence – Stress Incontinence is caused by lack of strength in the pelvic muscles.

• Overflow incontinence – Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder constantly drips urine. Many times this happens right after urination.

• Urge incontinence – This type of incontinence occurs when there is a sudden urge to urinate with no control.

People who suffer from incontinence are usually referred to a urologist. To diagnose incontinence there are a battery of tests that can be conducted. Typically the patient undergoes a urinalysis where they provide a lab sample of urine to be tested for infection, urinary stones, or other detectable problems. Blood tests are also quite common when diagnosing incontinence.

Doctors also perform a simple stress test where they visually inspect the patient as they cough. Often times this can diagnose stress incontinence as the doctor will be able to see urine leakage as the patient coughs. This test gives the doctor an idea of how properly the urinary muscles are working.

One incontinence test that utilizes technology is the cystoscopy. This particular test places a small camera on a tube that is inserted into the urethra and bladder to diagnose any potential problem. The cystoscopy has been very successful diagnosing reasons for incontinence.

There are several treatment options for incontinence. Doctors will usually prescribe the least invasive treatment possible such as behavior therapy. This type of treatment calls for the patient to limit fluid intake, especially at night. They are also directed to go off of stimulants such as coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

Many people treat incontinence symptoms by wearing absorbent pads and adult diapers. These products are designed to be discreet yet effective at soaking up urine that escapes the body. Absorbent pads and adult diapers are much more effective and discreetly designed than they were in the past. They are more like underwear briefs with liners. There are also small urine collectors that men can wear around the penis if they choose to use that over an absorbent pad or diaper. As a last resort, urinary catheters are inserted into the patient.

The best way to battle incontinence is to be aware of the risk factors that cause it. The risk factors that cause incontinence include: Gender – Women are much more likely to suffer from stress incontinence after childbirth and during menopause. The female body goes through a lot of hormonal changes during these two periods and can cause stress incontinence. Most of the time the problem is temporary.

• Age – As men and women get older the muscles in the bladder and urethra become weakened. The bladder also loses its ability to hold as much urine as well as its ability to store it for longer periods of time.

• Obesity – Being severely overweight causes pressure on the bladder and the surrounding muscles. Obesity, if left unchecked, can cause so many health problems that it nearly doubles the rate of incontinence in older people.

• Smoking – Smokers who have coughs can actually develop stress incontinence. Smoking also increases the risk of having an overactive bladder.

• Hysterectomy – The bladder and uterus are very close together. Hysterectomy surgery can cause damage to the pelvic support muscles that control urination.

As discussed earlier, incontinence can be an underlying symptom of other health problems. In and of itself, incontinence can be debilitating both mentally and physically. Constant urination on the skin, especially in the genital area, can cause severe skin rash, irritation, and even infection. Many people develop skin ulcers due to constantly wet irritated skin.

The mental impact of incontinence can also be severe. The disorder can be a great source of embarrassment for people and can affect their life in all areas. Constant trips to the toilet can affect your relationships at work, and at home. Many people who suffer from incontinence also have a decrease in sexual relations with their spouse that can cause marital stresses.

The best way to deal with the mental stress, embarrassment, and depression incontinence may cause is to see a doctor quickly. Doctors can prescribe a treatment plan to help reduce symptoms or stop the problem altogether.

It’s also best if people are open and honest about it with those close to them. It’s not recommended everyone knows, but confiding in a close colleague, friend and family member is very helpful for support. One of the best things people can do to help their treatment is to bring pertinent information to their doctor’s appointment. Writing down symptoms, personal information such as recent stresses, traumatic events, medications and other conditions will help the doctor accurately diagnose the type of incontinence and how to treat it.