Bladder and bowel incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine or stool. It can occur in people of all ages, but is more common in older adults. Incontinence can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or can occur on its own. Incontinence affects 1 in 3 women.
There are different types of incontinence, including:
- Urge incontinence: This occurs when you have a sudden and strong urge to urinate and can’t make it to the bathroom in time.
- Stress incontinence: This occurs when you leak urine during physical activity or exertion, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting.
- Mixed incontinence: This occurs when you experience both urge and stress incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence: This occurs when your bladder doesn’t empty completely, causing urine to overflow.
- Fecal incontinence: This refers to the inability to control bowel movements, resulting in the leakage of stool.
There are many causes of incontinence, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
- Prostate problems
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
- Certain medications
- Surgery or radiation therapy in the pelvic region
- Chronic constipation
The good news is that incontinence can often be treated or managed. Treatment options include pelvic floor muscle exercises, medications, medical devices, and surgery. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and dietary modifications may also help.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing incontinence, as they can help determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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