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Incontinence is an ever increasing problem in North America. Fortunately, there are many available options to treat this embarrassing problem.
DEFINITION
Incontinence is an involuntary loss of bladder control. There are three basic types of incontinence:
1. URGE: An inability to control the bladder when the urge to urinate is present.
2. FUNCTIONAL: A failure to comprehend the need to urinate.
3. STRESS: An involuntary loss of control brought about by increased pressure to the abdomen.
CAUSES
PREGNANCY and childbirth, especially repeated childbirth, can cause some women to lose muscle support for the bladder.
DAMAGE or injury to the sphincter in men.
OVERACTIVE muscles may cause the bladder to contract and empty at will.
KIDNEY stones, cancer, or obstruction in the urinary tract.
MEDICATIONS, particularly muscles relaxers and those which affect the central nervous system.
DEMENTIA, depression, paralysis.
EXCITEMENT.
REPEATED urinary tract infections.
SYMPTOMS
Unintentional loss of bladder control while lifting heavy objects.
Involuntary loss of urine while sneezing, laughing, crying, yelling or coughing.
Forgetting to urinate.
Having small leaks on the way to the toilet.
TREATMENT
There are various treatments currently available to help curb incontinence. Today, even the most chronic cases can be cured. Some of the more effective treatment options include:
ELECTRICAL stimulation or biofeedback, which helps to strengthen pelvic muscles. This treatment is especially helpful in women who have had multiple births, cancer, or have suffered injury to the bladder or pelvic muscles.
SPECIAL weights and exercises also aid in conditioning pelvic muscles.
SURGERY can tighten damaged or overly relaxed muscles that have stopped contracting around the bladder.
DAILY exercise, including thigh, stomach and pelvic movement, is sometimes enough to stimulate muscles in the pelvic and bladder regions.
ESTROGEN therapy has helped many women control their post-menopause bladder problems.
PRESCRIPTION drugs can help to strengthen urethral muscles.
DECREASE your daily intake of caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants, which may stimulate the bladder.
SHORT TERM AIDS
ABSORBENT pads can be worn by men or women to help absorb accidents.
PLACING a portable toilet near the bed of those who can't make it to the bathroom on time are helpful.
SETTING a daily routine to use the toilet can help to condition the bladder and its reflex action.
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