What you need to know about incontinence and why this condition cannot be hushed up
Health / / December 29, 2020
Maxim Kulikov
Commercial director of the sales department of medical supplies of the company Essity (Russia and CIS).
If the urge to use the toilet has become more frequent than usual, and wet spots remain on your underwear, this may mean that you are experiencing incontinence. Don't think that incontinence is a rare and embarrassing problem: it's been diagnosedWorldwide prevalence estimates of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bladder outlet obstruction every third person in the world.
What is incontinence and why it occurs
In simple terms, incontinence is a condition in which it is impossible to control the functioning of the bladder or bowels.
The most common causes of incontinence includeUrinary incontinence:
- Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are responsible for holding the urethra. If they cease to perform a controlling function, problems begin, for example, incontinence can overtake a person while laughing, running, coughing, sneezing, lifting weights.
- Overweight. In this case, excessive pressure is exerted on the muscles of the abdominal cavity and pelvic floor.
- Side effects of medications. Incontinence can be a side effect of certain medications that are diuretic.
- Previous illnesses. Incontinence can be caused by diseases such as stroke, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain damage. They disrupt or obstruct the passage of nerve signals, as a result of which the transmission of correct commands from the brain to the bladder is disturbed.
Women are at increased risk of incontinenceUrinary incontinence during pregnancy. In the later stages, the cause of incontinence can be a change in the relative position of the abdominal and pelvic organs due to the growing uterus. There is also a risk of incontinence after childbirth and during menopause.
Men who have been diagnosed with prostate adenoma or who have had prostate surgery have moreUrinary incontinence the likelihood of encountering incontinence. Edema that develops in the prostate compresses the urethra, making it impossible to completely empty the bladder. Due to the residual fluid, there are repeated frequent urges to empty.
It is important to find out why you or your loved one is experiencing incontinence. This will help you understand the symptoms and then choose the right care and remedies. Do not hesitate to contact a specialist - this is the best recommendation that will help you build an action plan.
What types and degrees of incontinence are emitted
The most common types of incontinence are stress and urgency. They can manifestUrinary incontinence at the same time.
- Stress incontinence mainly occurs in women: most often during pregnancy, after childbirth and over the age of 40. Among men, this type of incontinence occursWorldwide prevalence estimates of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bladder outlet obstruction in about 11% of cases. This condition occurs when the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder are weakened. For example, when you laugh or cough, the pressure on your bladder increases and pelvic floor muscles cannot contract enough to stop urine flow. As a result, slight leakage occurs.
- Urge incontinence or an overactive bladder implies an automatic leakage of urine without the ability to control it. The body either gives a faint hint of an upcoming action or does not warn about it at all. In a healthy person, the bladder empties 4–8 times a day. If you or your loved one goes to the toilet more often, waking up at night to go to the toilet, this could be a sign of urge incontinence. This type is more common among men.
Along with the type of incontinence, try to determine the degree of leakage, this is also important when choosing protective equipment:
- When mild incontinence is secreted from a few drops to 400 ml of urine in 8 hours, usually during a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure (strong cough, fast walk).
- Average degree implies the release of 400 to 600 ml of urine in 8 hours - during a calm walk, with light physical exertion.
- Severe degree incontinence is accompanied by profuse discharge of more than 600 ml of urine in 8 hours or cases when a person cannot control urination.
Manufacturers of hygiene products separately highlight drip incontinence.
If it is difficult to identify symptoms, the type of incontinence may not be clear. If this is the case, try keeping a diary for 1–2 weeks and recording information about the features of the selection and other data. Then share them with your doctor.
How to maintain a habitual lifestyle if you are incontinent
Incontinence makes it difficult to cope with daily activities because all thoughts are focused only on how not to spoil clothes, where to find the nearest toilet and whether to afford an extra glass water. These questions create a tangible psychological burden. Let's figure out what steps to take to make your life more comfortable.
1. Share the problem with your doctor and loved one
The sooner you decide to do this, the easier it will be for you to get started. Make an appointment with your doctor. Think about who from your loved ones could understand and support you in this situation. Look for more information on incontinence from trusted sources, such as World Federation of Incontinence Patients (WFIP) or International Society of Incontinence (ICS).
2. Find the right absorbent products
In case of incontinence, we advise you to choose exactly urological remedies: they allow you to quickly remove moisture, distribute it over the absorbent layer and keep the liquid in gasket, preventing the spread of unpleasant odors. For bedridden or patients with limited mobility, regular diapers may be suitable as care. If you have an active lifestyle, it is better to choose diapers-pants, they are invisible under clothes and do not cause discomfort when walking. To determine the size of the absorbent garment, measure your waist and hips with the highest value.
For mild incontinence, thin urological pads can be selected. In case of a severe degree, it is worth seeking the advice of a doctor and together choose the means necessary for care. Please note that some brands provide free samples of their products.
3. Pay special attention to the skin in the intimate area
When she is incontinent, she is exposed to negative influences, especially when wearing diapers. In addition to regular washing, it will be useful to use special wet wipes that cleanse and moisturize skin, and use mild detergents such as foam or mousse every time you change the diaper.
What you need to know about caring for someone with incontinence
When you start caring for someone, your mind and your way of life change. From this moment on, you become responsible for the comfort and safety of another person. You need to understand that situations may arise along the way that are not easy to prepare physically and emotionally in advance. To get started, we recommend talking honestly and openly with the loved one you plan to look after. If possible, find out what kind of care he needs, and make sure that there is no shame in seeking help.
Try to have hygiene products available at all times to facilitate care and help around the clock keep clean and comfortable: disposable wipes, washing gloves or gloves, cleansing lotions or products for washing. If your loved one is experiencing urine leakage at home or outside, give preference to leave-in care - wet wipes, washing cream or mousse. Zip bags for dirty clothes and used diapers are also useful. Have a clean kit ready underwear.
Learn more about government support options. So, for persons with a confirmed disability who are on an individual rehabilitation and habilitation program, it may be providedOrder of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation of February 13, 2018 No. No. 86n getting diapers for free. If you are purchasing incontinence care products yourself, you can contactHow to get compensation for the purchase of rehabilitation equipment for a disabled person for material compensation.
How is incontinence treated
In some cases, incontinence is treated, which takes time and following the instructions of specialists. Let's name the methods that are recommendedUrinary incontinence European Association of Urology.
Kegel exercises
How to do the exercise correctly men and women, Lifehacker already wrote. The result can be felt in a month or a month and a half, but it is better to continue doing them regularly for three months.
Lifestyle correction
Obesity, smoking, low physical activity, and the abuse of caffeinated and carbonated beverages can affectUrinary incontinence on the development of incontinence. Avoiding caffeinated drinks should be especially useful for those who suffer from morning urge to urinate and urinary incontinence.
Surgical intervention
Doctors distinguish many different types of operations: for example, laser techniques, surgical treatment using sling systems and artificial urinary sphincters in men, as well as sling operations in women, reconstructive surgery on the urethra and vagina.
Only a doctor can choose a treatment plan that is right for you, because this requires determining the type of incontinence and finding out its origin. Be sure to consult with a specialist.
Why you shouldn't be ashamed of incontinence
To avoid misunderstandings or ridicule, most people with incontinence try to shut up the problem and not discuss it with loved ones or with their doctor. Another psychological barrier is buying incontinence products, because it is not easy to admit, even to yourself, that you need them.
But such silence, as a rule, sooner or later leads to isolation from society and the rejection of what used to be expensive: from meeting with friends, work, walking with children, playing sports, beloved hobby. The most effective way to lead a fulfilling life is to feel free to start an open dialogue about incontinence, share knowledge, and do whatever is necessary to control the problem. The knowledge will help you answer daunting questions and understand difficult things - and you will see how confidence and self-esteem will return to you or your loved one step by step.
Read also🧐
- 12 signs you have kidney problems
- What to do with diarrhea
- What to do if you have blood in your urine