Adult Urinary Incontinence Treatment And Causes
Bladder incontinence is when a person looses control of their bladder. It can affect them in small ways like occasional urine leaking during a cough or sneeze, or more severe cases where you can’t make it to the bathroom in time. Urinary incontinence causes are different for men and women. It can be brought on by everyday actions like alcohol consumption, dehydration, medications, or caffeine intake. As men and women grow older and their bodies develop new conditions, bladder incontinence can be more persistent. Adult incontinence treatment options should be discussed with a doctor.
Three different types of incontinence can be diagnosed. Stress incontinence happens when the bladder received involuntary pressure from actions like laughing, coughing, sneezing or even lifting and straining. Women suffer from this condition more often after giving birth. Urge incontinence is the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a bathroom. Patients who are diagnosed with conditions like diabetes, stroke, or dementia commonly have this problem. It is the sign of an overactive bladder where spasms trigger the release. The third type is overflow incontinence and is caused when the amount of urine in the body measures more than what the bladder can hold. Urinary incontinence causes differ for each category as do the adult incontinence treatment options.
In females, the main causes are associated with stress and urge incontinence. Weak muscles in the urinary tract or damage that was caused to this area is the primary stressor for women. Damage can be caused by weight gain, childbirth, or other conditions that stretch the pelvic muscles. When they cannot support the bladder, it begins to fall and pushes against the vagina. Since the urethra muscles cannot be tightened, urine leaks during the smallest of activities. The presence of bladder stones can make it worse. Surgery to move the bladder back into place is an option, as well as medications or removable devices. Simple exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles called kegel exercises are recommended at any age.
Males can suffer from all three types of incontinence. All urinary incontinence causes in men are directly linked to prostate health. Stress incontinence can happen if the prostate gland is removed because it is solely up to the sphincter muscle to hold urine in. Any small movements can cause leakage. Urge incontinence works in the same way that the sphincter can’t hold the urine when the sudden urge hits. Overflow is caused when the prostate is enlarged and blocks the flow of urine. It is also possible that this type happens because the bladder muscles become weak. Changing daily lifestyle habits in men helps those who suffer from incontinence. Cutting back on coffee and caffeine drinks is the first step. Eating foods high in fiber and choosing to not smoke tobacco products is recommended as well as making frequent trips to the restroom even if the need isn’t felt. Double voiding is recommended. This process means that during urination, the flow is stopped, held, and then released again.
Simple daily lifestyle changes are necessary for anyone who is already suffering from or trying to prevent bladder incontinence.