Understanding functional incontinence and how to manage it
We tend to think urinary incontinence happens only to specific demographics (e.g. elderly adults), but there’s one bladder-related problem that flies way under the radar - and it affects more people than you’d think.
It’s called “functional incontinence”, and it’s less a problem with a person’s bladder function but the more indirect, external challenges that stop them from reaching a toilet in time, such as physical or accessibility issues.
Let’s take a closer look at functional incontinence, how it affects people, its symptoms, and how it can be managed so you can keep living confidently and comfortably.
- What causes functional incontinence?
- What are the symptoms of functional incontinence?
- What are some tips for living well with functional incontinence?
What causes functional incontinence?
The causes of functional incontinence aren’t the same as other kinds of urinary incontinence. With the likes of urge incontinence (aka overactive bladder), bladder irritation or a weak pelvic floor are often the suspects.
The physiological causes of functional incontinence are a little more indirect. For example, someone with mobility issues may simply not be quick enough to get to the toilet in time, resulting in a loss of urine.
Even something as simple as an unfamiliar setting or a set of stairs can cause functional incontinence, as well as tight, restrictive clothing that is slow to unfasten.
It’s tough to diagnose
There aren’t any definitive numbers on how many people in the UK suffer from functional incontinence due to the embarrassment surrounding it and the difficulty of tracking it precisely.
However, we do know that 7 million people in the UK suffer from some form of urinary incontinence, and this likely includes many people with functional incontinence.
What are the symptoms of functional incontinence?
Even though it differs from other types of incontinence, the symptoms of functional incontinence are largely the same - unexpected or uncontrolled urine leakage.
It can also come about in similar ways, from coughing and sneezing to heavy lifting and even, seemingly, out of nowhere.
Some people with functional incontinence feel a sudden urge to use the bathroom at random times; this is often associated with an overactive bladder and could suggest mixed incontinence.
How do I manage my functional incontinence?
Fortunately for many people living with functional incontinence, there are ways to adapt and even avoid it altogether to reduce the number of episodes you experience.
Incontinence pads and pants to capture unexpected urine leakage
One of the best solutions to managing functional incontinence is also one of the cheapest. Incontinence pads and incontinence pants are great for keeping leaks at bay while staying comfortable and confident throughout the day.
The best incontinence product for you largely depends on your level of leakage. If you have small leaks and dribbles throughout the day, incontinence pads are a discreet way to manage them.
On the other hand, incontinence pants or adult nappies are handy for heavier incontinence when you have no access to the bathroom and need something to handle a fuller bladder.
Check out our wide range of incontinence pads and pants at Incontinence UK to learn more.
Adapting your immediate environment
Access to a bathroom is the biggest problem for functional incontinence, so another important way to manage your symptoms is to change your living space. Try keeping the path to the bathroom as clear as possible so you’re not stopped or slowed down. This can include reducing clutter or furniture and removing tripping hazards.
If mobility and reaching the bathroom are more of an issue, try installing grab bars or using bedside commodes to make things easier if you have balance issues - these can be lifesavers in a pinch.
Bladder training
Bladder training is a more long-term way to manage functional incontinence. Try setting specific times to use the bathroom and slowly increasing the time between trips. This will eventually help you control your bladder capacity and control, reducing any sudden urges and helping you predict when you need to go.
Also, keep an eye on how much water you’re drinking. You want enough to stay hydrated but not so much that your bladder becomes full too suddenly because then you risk leakage.
Take control of your functional incontinence with pads and pants from Incontinence UK
Functional incontinence can be a pain to deal with, but as you can see, there are plenty of ways to stay on top of and manage it. You can still lead a comfortable and fulfilling life despite your functional incontinence; it may just take some extra planning.
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