| 1. WHAT IS INCONTINENCE? |
| Incontinence is the loss of bladder and/or bowel control, NOT an illness or disease. Many conditions and disorders can cause incontinence including birth defects, pelvic injuries or surgeries, damages to the spinal cord, neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis, infections, and degenerative changes that are a result of aging. It can be temporary or permanent depending on its cause. |
| last updated - 2008-05-02 12:41:41 |
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| 2. HOW DOES THE URINARY SYSTEM WORK? |
| The urinary system comprises two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder and a urethra. The kidneys remove waste from the blood and continuously produce urine. The tube-like ureters move the urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it flows out of the body via the tube-like urethra. The sphincter muscle is not part of the urinary system but can play a major role in incontinence as it controls the activity of the urethra. Normally the bladder stores the urine and then releases it at the appropriate time, however, if any part of the urinary system malfunctions incontinence can occur. |
| last updated - 2008-05-02 14:04:58 |
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| 3. WHAT ARE COMMON CAUSES OF BLADDER WEAKNESS? |
| Relaxation of the pelvic muscles, most common in women who have had several children.
Reduced muscle control as can occur with menopause.
Infections &/or inflammation of the bladder or the urethra.
Nervous system disorders.
Aggravation of the bladder from alcohol, caffeine or medications. |
| last updated - 2008-05-02 15:01:50 |
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| 4. SHOULD I TALK TO MY DOCTOR? |
| It is estimated that 80% of those affected by urinary incontinence can be cured or at least have their condition improved. There are 3 categories of treatment that can address your condition: behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical. A medical examination can help find the cause and determine ways to correct &/or manage the condition. Remember, the earlier you seek medical help the sooner change can begin. |
| last updated - 2008-05-02 15:03:36 |
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| 5. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF INCONTINENCE? |
| Stress Incontinence – Is leakage of small amounts of urine that may happen during exercise, coughing, sneezing or laughing. It commonly affects women and may occur after multiple childbirths or menopause. Other causes include damage to the pelvic region or the sphincter muscle.
Urge Incontinence – Is the sudden, urgent need to urinate and the inability to get to a toilet in time. This occurs when the nerve passages between the bladder and brain are damaged. Stroke, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and MS can all cause urge incontinence. It can also be caused by something as simple as a urinary tract infection.
Overflow Incontinence – Occurs when the quantity of urine created/produced exceeds the limitations of the bladder for storage. The bladder’s failure to contract, as it should or being unable to release urine due to an obstruction of the urethra can result in the overflow condition. Diabetes, pelvic damage, surgery, spinal cord injuries, MS and/or other diseases can cause it. Constipation, medications, and enlarged prostate gland can also cause this form of incontinence.
Fecal Incontinence – The inability to control bowel movements or gas; including liquid and/or solid stool. It can vary from being partial, involving only a small amount of liquid waste, to being unable to control entire solid bowel movements. Neurological diseases, musculoskeletal disorders or injuries to the pelvic area, can cause this form of incontinence.
Functional Incontinence – Are physical or cognitive limitations that prevent an individual from reaching a toilet. This can be a result of environmental barriers, such as being too far away from a bathroom, or psychiatric problems.
It is possible for more than one type can be diagnosed at a time. |
| last updated - 2008-05-05 08:01:00 |
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| 6. WHAT CAN I DO? |
| There are many lifestyle changes that can enhance the quality of life. Two key ways are diet and exercise. Be sure to discuss any changes to your current diet and exercise level with your physician BEFORE starting any new programs. |
| last updated - 2008-05-02 15:03:48 |
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| 7. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? |
| The Internet can provide an unlimited source of incontinence information. Two that specialize in this type of information are:
National Association for Continence (NAFC) www.nafc.org
The Simon Foundation for Continence www.simonfoundation.org |
| last updated - 2008-05-05 08:02:10 |
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