No matter what age or gender may be, at some point in their life people may experience the involuntary leakage of urine or what is called urinary incontinence.
This is a condition that brings discomfort particularly if not managed well.
To understand better what incontinence is, here are its 3 basic types: When urine is involuntary leaked as a result of coughing, sneezing or lifting something, it is called stress incontinence.
When there is an involuntary loss of urine followed by an urge to urinate, it is referred to as urge incontinence.
When a person must urinate frequently in small amounts it is known as overflow incontinence.
What are some of the possible causes of incontinence? Damage to or injury of the nerves - this is one of the major reasons that may come as a result of diabetes, stroke, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
Offshoot of treatments against prostate cancer - men who have undergone surgery or through external beam radiation are most likely to experience such disorder.
Visiting your medical care provider Usually, your medical provider will ask you first about the history and details of your incontinence.
Ultrasound may be used to check your prostate if necessary.
Medical professionals also use some modern testing to check your bladder.
Below are some suggestions your doctor might tell you.
Modify your lifestyle.
This can include limiting your fluid intake.
Coffee and tea are known to be diuretics thus small intake is advised.
You may be asked to practice Kegel exercises too.
You can also use incontinence products for men.
Products like waterproof duvet or Tena Incontinence can give you a greater peace of mind.
Doctor may prescribe medicines that can limit your production of urine or block nerve signals that trigger incontinence.
Some can shrink or relax your bladder.
There are also ways to control urination like the use artificial sphincter.
Your doctor might also suggest surgery or create an artificial bladder which can allow you to drain the urine through a catheter.
How is the process done? With the use of strip attached to the pelvic bone, sling surgery is performed.
The sling applies constant pressure to the urethra, eliminating involuntary loss of urine.
For removal of the bladder, a urinary diversion is preferred.
The doctor will create an artificial bladder using a piece of the patient's small intestines.
Living with the condition is never an ideal situation.
With little to no disruption to one's daily routine, there are products to manage incontinence.
And when done properly, this allows anyone to live as normally as possible.