When the ability to control one’s bladder is impaired, the result is urinary incontinence. Complete defecation of the bladder may occur in some instances. On the other hand, you may notice a little leaking. Based on the underlying reason, the disease could be short-lived or long-lasting.
The prevalence of urinary incontinence in women is two to one more than in men. But there are a lot of other causes, and anyone can get this ailment. The weakening of the muscles that support the bladder is a common aging symptom that can manifest as urine incontinence.
A variety of health issues can also cause the illness. Cancer, kidney stones, infection, an enlarged prostate, and other conditions can cause moderate to severe symptoms.
Causes Of Incontinence
- Aging and Weak Muscles
The natural weakening of the pelvic floor muscles is a major contributor to the increased prevalence of incontinence associated with aging. These muscles’ most important functions are supporting the bladder and maintaining control over urination. Muscles, including those in the pelvic floor, lose tone and strength with aging.
- Alterations in the Brain
Alterations to the neurological system that accompany aging can impair bladder control. Neurological disorders that affect the nerves that control bladder function are more common in the elderly and include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
Urge incontinence, caused by this or that medical condition is defined by an abrupt and strong need to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. Because of the potential need for specialist medical procedures and drugs to manage bladder spasms and enhance nerve function, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the neurological connections to manage incontinence in older persons effectively. Adult pull-ups play a vital role in maintaining a quality of life in such situations.
- Men’s Prostate Concerns
Urinary function in men is greatly affected by prostate health. An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common symptom of aging in males and can block the urethra and disrupt regular urine flow. The inability of the bladder to empty can lead to overflow incontinence, which manifests as dribbling or continuous urine leaking.
Further factors that can impact the ability to manage one’s urine include prostate cancer treatments and surgeries. Incontinence in older men can be better managed with a focus on prostate health, which includes scheduling regular exams and using the right medication.
- Menstrual Cycle Alterations
A major contributor to incontinence with age is hormonal changes, especially in women. The tissues of the bladder and urethra become less elastic and more prone to irritation after menopause due to the drop in estrogen levels.
Both stress and urge incontinence might be exacerbated by this hormonal transition. Sometimes, medical therapies, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can help ease symptoms; nevertheless, it is vital to consider the benefits and dangers of these treatments with a healthcare provider.
Helping the elderly cope with functional incontinence
When dealing with functional incontinence in the elderly, it is important to have a holistic strategy considering the underlying medical and environmental factors. From developing a regular toilet routine to learning to control your bladder, these six strategies can assist with functional incontinence:
- Planned bathroom breaks
This requires planning and sticking to a restroom break schedule, typically every two hours. If you go to the restroom regularly at your own pace, you won’t have to rush when needed. Dementia sufferers, who might not be able to tell when they’re full, can also benefit from scheduled voiding.
If you or a loved one still have incontinence episodes, even when you go two hours between toilet breaks, shorten the breaks.
- Alterations to the natural environment
- For someone with incontinence, getting to the bathroom should be a top priority. One example is:
- Take down any carpets or cords that can cause a tripping hazard on the way to the restroom.
- Install grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet to add stability and support.
- Using the relatively simple installation of elevated toilet seats over preexisting toilet seats.
- The installation of toilet safety frames to provide extra stability and support.
- Preventing trips and falls in the restroom by installing grab bars and ensuring the floor is well-lit.
- Toilet instruction
If you have a regular toilet routine down, you can start by increasing the time between trips. Take the two-hour interval as an example; start with that and work your way up to two hours and fifteen minutes, then two hours and thirty minutes, and continue in this manner.
And if you find that you need to go to the bathroom sooner than planned, wait a few minutes. One way to deal with the impulse is to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or distraction techniques. Wait a few minutes after you’ve emptied your bladder to be sure it’s empty before trying to urinate again.
- Prescribed Drugs
One tool that doctors may use in the therapy of functional incontinence is medication to calm the muscles of the overactive bladder, raise the bladder’s capacity, or decrease the frequency of urine production.
On the other side, your doctor may decide to do a medication review of all the drugs you are currently taking to identify and maybe alter the amount of any drug that is exacerbating your illness. A worsening of incontinence symptoms may occur as a side effect of certain drugs that influence bladder function or cause an increase in urine production.
- Modifications to the way of life
Each epic tale of triumph begins with a series of modest choices. Making seemingly insignificant adjustments to your way of life can be the single most important thing you can do to combat incontinence. Consider these key adjustments to your way of life:
In the end!
People often experience curable urinary incontinence. Treatments for urine incontinence range from those that do not involve surgery to those that do. Treating incontinence can improve one’s health and quality of life.
