Despite being more prevalent in older people, it should not be considered a normal part of aging. Urinary incontinence can be of temporary nature, or it can manifest into a more chronic condition; both can be resolved and easily managed.
What is Urinary incontinence?
The urinary system consists of the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters, located in the abdominal cavity’s lower part. When the bladder is full, the muscles around it flexes and pushes the urine into the urethra.
Simultaneously, the muscles around the urethra loosen to let the urine move out of the body. Urinary incontinence occurs when the bladder muscles are unable to properly support it; as a result, urine leaks out involuntarily.
Causes of urinary incontinence
Many reasons cause incontinence, including UTIs, infections of the genitals, etc. Sometimes it can also happen due to certain medications that can cause temporary incontinence in adults. However, chronic incontinence happens because of the following:
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Overactive muscles in the bladder
- Nerve damage in the bladder due to diseases like Parkinson’s and diabetes.
- Pelvic prolapse
- Inflammation of the prostate
- Engorgement of the prostate
Types of urinary incontinence
There are different types of incontinence that adults can suffer from.
1. Overactive bladder incontinence
It is when you feel an uncontrollable urge to urinate, but you are unable to hold the urine in until you get to the restroom. This occurs in people that are suffering from Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and those that have had a stroke.
2. Stress incontinence
It is when you experience a sudden leakage of urine when pressure is applied to the lower abdominal area, such as when you are sneezing, bending, coughing, or lifting things.
3. Overflow incontinence
This is when you cannot empty the bladder entirely, so urine keeps dribbling out. This type of urinary incontinence is mainly seen in men with an inflamed prostrate gland and those with an injury to the spinal cord or suffering from diabetes.
4. Functional incontinence
This type of incontinence is seen in people with a normal bladder but suffering from diseases such as arthritis. Such diseases impair their movement and thinking, so it takes them longer to get to the toilet.
Treatment for urinary incontinence
There are many ways in which urinary incontinence can be treated, and these are all based on the issues that are causing it in the first place.
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Medical treatments
Medications such as tamsulosin (Flomax, and mirabegron (Myrbetriq) are prescribed to treat an overactive bladder.
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Estrogen creams
These creams are mostly prescribed to postmenopausal women. These creams help strengthen the weakened muscles of the bladder and the urethra.
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Pessaries
These are plugged into the vagina to help lift up the bladder. This is mostly used to treat stress-related incontinence.
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Bulking materials
In this, bulking materials such as gels or paste are injected to help bulk the area around the urethra. This method closes the urethra and prevents leakages.
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Botox
Botox is injected into the tissues surrounding the bladder, which relaxes them. Botox helps increase the bladder’s capacity to hold more urine, thus decreasing instances of leakages.
In cases where these do not work, doctors can also recommend surgeries.
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Surgery for prolapse
This surgery helps in those cases where the bladder has moved from its normal position.
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Bladder neck suspension
In this, the neck of the bladder is elevated, which helps support the bladder and prevent incontinence.
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Sling methods
Incontinence can also happen when the pelvic floor muscles are weakened. In this, doctors create a sling that helps support the bladder’s neck and keeps the urethra closed.
Best Urinary Incontinence products
Sometimes, extreme measures such as getting surgery are unnecessary to manage and treat urinary incontinence. Many easy-to-use and effective products are available in the market that help a great deal to effectively manage incontinence in adults.
1. Tranquility Adult Diapers
These adult diapers are an ideal choice for those that are looking for a product to provide all-around protection all night long. The diapers are high-waisted. Made with stretchy and soft material that also prevents leakages for as many as eight hours.
The leg guards fit snugly to avoid further leakages. The best feature of this diaper is that it comes with a wetness indicator which helps you know when to change the diaper before it’s full.
2. Attends Adult Diapers
Made with superior quality materials, these diapers from Attends provide super dry protection from urinary incontinence for hours. Its Dry Lock Containment feature turns moisture into the gel, so the wearer feels dry and comfortable. Additionally, the diaper also provides 8-hour long protection from odor.
3. Because Premium Maximum Plus Underwear for Women
These diapers are specially made for women that are having a hard time managing their incontinence. These briefs are ideal to be used both day and night. In addition, these women’s adult diapers for incontinence are made with breathable materials to provide a fresh and comfortable fit for longer periods of time.
Unlike other briefs, these are sleek and form-fitting, so they are not visible even under slim-fitting clothes. Additionally, Premium Maximum Plus is one of the few sustainably made products.
4. TENA Overnight Super Protective Incontinence Underwear
Living with incontinence can be a big hassle, especially sleeping undisturbed at night can be a big issue. This underwear from TENA is made with soft cotton, breathable materials that help you sleep better at night. Along with a snug fit silhouette, this underwear also features a wider back for better and more effective protection from leaks.
5. Depend Male Guards, Maximum
Designed to help provide maximum protection from heavy incontinence, these pads can be placed inside regular underwear or brief. The pads are shaped in a cup and feature strong adhesion that prevents them from budging from their place while you move around.
Aside from that, these pads are also odor repellent so that you can continue with your daily routine without worrying about the stench.
Urinary incontinence can affect anyone, but it is mainly common among older adults. Suffering from it can be a big cause of stress and embarrassment, but with the availability of incontinence products, it can be managed to a great extent. Urinary incontinence products offer an easy way to manage the condition so that you can continue your daily life without hindering it.