Incontinence - Everything you need to know

By: Felipe Bazon
Submitted: 2009-06-16 14:09:58
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The intentions of this article is to inform individuals experiencing incontinence and are not sure of what to do; within this article you will find detailed information about causes and types of incontinence.

Incontinence or Bladder Weakness as many call it, are conditions that require patience and discretion, because many individuals suffer embarrassment of their condition.

First thing you need to know if you are experiencing any degree of bladder weakness is that you are not ALONE! The UK has over 6 million individuals experiencing these symptoms and numbers could be higher due to the fact that most people are embarrassed to talk to anyone about it, even to their GP's or a family member.

Don't be one of those people that hide their condition, there are many kinds of treatments for all degrees of incontinence, be it light adult incontinence or stress incontinence.

Incontinence is more common in women, but that doesn't rule men out of the equation, incontinence is a unisex condition that can be caused by numerous factors such as:

Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles - The bladder and outlet passage are supported and held in place by a sling of muscles called pelvic floor muscles that keep the bladder closed. If these muscles lose their strength and/or flexibility (often caused by trauma to the entrance of the bladder, 'pelvic floor' or bowel during childbirth) then even everyday activities such as coughing may cause leaking.

Being overweight can also put an added strain onto pelvic floor muscles.

Birth Defect - You may have been born with a defective bladder or sphincter, which means you've always leaked or start to leak once other factors add to the problem.

Menopause -With the menopause causing a reduction in the quantity of oestrogen produced, many women notice that their bladder becomes lax, with leakage of urine.

Illness - Kidney or urinary tract infections can cause temporary bladder weakness or incontinence. Severe constipation can also cause these conditions to occur.

Nerve Damage - It can be caused by nerve damage, such as spinal cord injury, or with nerve diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Other - Surgery, Medications, or an oversensitive bladder can also lead to bladder weakness.

As mentioned above their various degrees of Incontinence or Bladder Weaknesses, here is quick preview of each one of them:

Stress Incontinence - This is by far the most common type and is common in women after childbirth or after the menopause.

Urge Incontinence - Urge is the second most common type of incontinence. It is also referred to as an overactive bladder.

Drip or Overflow - This is most common in older men who often have a slightly enlarged prostate gland, which is situated just underneath the bladder.

Reflex Incontinence - Is when individuals have no control over their bladder, usually happen after an accident or illness.

So there you have it the causes and most common types of incontinence, it is however extremely important to note that only a GP can diagnose and treat your condition, this is by far the most important advice regarding incontinence and any other kind of medical condition.

Article source: Expert Articles