How To Stop Incontinence: Solutions You Can Live With

On average, one in ten Australians suffers from urinary incontinence in some form. That’s around 2.4 million Australians using the best data we have.

If you're a woman, the chances of you suffering multiply by almost four; 37 percent of Australian women suffer, according to the same data. Considering 70 percent of those who suffer do not report symptoms, it’s impossible to know exactly how many Australians suffer, but you can assume the number goes up, not down. Urinary incontinence in women is a common yet underreported condition.

Not alone? It may be a private matter, but there are millions suffering from the same emotions. While the matter might seem worthy of snickering to someone not in the thick of the problem, it’s hardly funny to anyone who suffers. If the title of this blog drew your attention, it’s likely you suffer yourself or know others who do. You know firsthand how troubling this can be.

There is a silver lining to these turbid clouds. Incontinence symptoms can be embarrassing, but it’s not a death sentence. There are worse diagnoses. Also, there are long-term solutions available, some of which don’t require surgery. But, to treat it, you have to first know what sort of incontinence ails you. That likely means going to a healthcare provider, reason enough for many to hide and ignore the problem.

If by the end of this blog you believe your symptoms could improve from a visit to the doctor, we strongly encourage you to seek professional help.

What is FUNCTIONAL incontinence?

The term functional in this context is almost a misnomer, insomuch that the sufferer may struggle with one of many reasons for not making it to the toilet in time.

Challenges creating functional incontinence could be as simple as diminished eyesight or as complicated as dementia. For some reason, medical or physical, the sufferer simply cannot bridge the urge with the action of going to the toilet.

Functional incontinence, therefore, can affect people of any age.

To make sense of the term, there is a functional reason, albeit one that causes dysfunction, preventing the person from getting there on time. As such, treatment may be a matter of treating the related ailment.

In the case of poor eyesight, corrective lenses or eye surgery could put an end to two challenges at one time. If you were to turn this challenge on its head, the incontinence becomes a mixed blessing for these patients, pushing them to address a condition they might have otherwise ignored.

In the other example mentioned, dementia, the solutions might not be as easy, but there ARE solutions for improving dementia's reach. Meanwhile, one can use a simple solution like absorbent briefs, which fit about the same as normal undergarments but protect from accidents.

In the case of children who suffer, providing them with this kind of insurance is the humane thing to do, especially since they fit so well.

What is OVERFLOW incontinence?

Those who suffer from overflow incontinence never fully empty their bladders. For one of several potential reasons, they have a restricted urethra or they lack the muscle strength to expel the urine completely.

In the case of a man who has prostate cancer, the first time he learns of his overflow incontinence might be the same time he learns of his prostate cancer. Although scary in name, prostate cancer is often treatable, which makes the accompanying overflow incontinence also treatable.

In the case where one suffers this version of incontinence due to the side effects of medication, the solution is obvious. A switch or cessation of the medicine will stop the urine leakage. If that is not an option, adult incontinence briefs are a solution. Just like the briefs mentioned above for kids, they wear like regular undergarments but with a layer of protection.

 

What causes STRESS incontinence?

Quite common amongst those who suffer is stress urinary incontinence. What can cause the discharge is simple actions like coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects.

As such, stress, in this case, is not the sort of stress one feels from pressure at work. This is short bursts of physical stress, striking the sufferer unawares. A result of pelvic floor movement, it can even be connected to something as simple as laughter.

Treatment, as such, is a little more challenging. If the discharge is minimal, you may decide to ignore it for now, but this discharge can escalate over time. The solution is usually a matter of strengthening the right muscles, the pelvic floor muscles yes, but also the urinary sphincter. Treatment may involve pelvic floor muscle exercises (also known as Kegel exercises), even for men.

In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery as a solution, such as a sling procedure. Meanwhile, stress incontinence doesn’t mean one has to surrender feeling alluring.

 

What is URGE incontinence?

Not to be confused with stress incontinence, urge incontinence is a failure of the bladder muscles to stop urine flow from an overactive bladder.

Unprovoked by bursts of physical stress, the afflicted suffer sudden sensations of needing to urinate. Time and place do not factor in. Once it hits, there is no stopping the eventual leaking urine.

Causes can vary but often stem from other physical limitations, infections, disease, such as urinary tract infection, or spinal cord damage. In less severe cases, it’s a matter of bladder irritation.

Solutions may include bladder training, Botox injections, or nerve stimulation to manage the condition. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medications or even surgery, depending on the severity.

 

Should I worry about incontinence when running?

 

Any of the mentioned versions of incontinence can affect one during physical activity like running. This can be not only embarrassing but distracting and irritating. Maintaining one’s general health need not take a backseat to something as manageable as incontinence.

For athletes, managing symptoms may include wearing absorbent undergarments or focusing on pelvic floor muscle exercises to strengthen control during exertion.

 

How to Stop Incontinence

Actually fixing incontinence requires a trip to the doctor. Urodynamic testing can help your urologist or healthcare provider determine the specific cause of your bladder control problems.

Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding acidic foods, and drinking enough fluids are important. Some individuals may also benefit from avoiding diuretics and managing constipation, which can contribute to incontinence symptoms.

Treatment options could include the use of bulking agents, a pessary to support the bladder, or in some cases, a catheter to help with bladder emptying.

In more severe cases, surgery such as the sling procedure may be necessary, or other treatments like Botox injections and nerve stimulation. These interventions can help restore bladder control for those suffering from chronic incontinence.

Bladder diaries are often recommended to help track the amount of urine leakage, voiding patterns, and any triggers that worsen symptoms.

If your incontinence is related to menopause, low estrogen levels may also be a factor, and hormone replacement therapies could be considered.

Incontinence doesn’t have to be something you announce to the world. It’s a private matter between you and your physician, and that is final.

If your condition is something you no longer wish to live with, you’re not alone. Here's that number again: At least 13 percent of the people around you suffer the same problems.

At Medshop, we offer a wide range of Abena incontinence products designed to help manage symptoms with comfort and reliability. From absorbent briefs to undergarments and liners, Abena provides high-quality solutions for every level of incontinence, ensuring you can regain control and confidence in your daily life. Explore our selection today to find the best product for your needs.

 

Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).