What Exactly is Incontinence?
Incontinence is a common but often misunderstood condition that impacts many adults, especially going into older age. In fact, an estimated 14 million people in the UK experience some form of bladder problem, with urinary incontinence being the most common.
It causes some embarrassing and isolating disruptions in life - from unexpected urine leaks to an overwhelming need to find a bathroom.
But understanding the causes and types of incontinence can help you take control and manage these symptoms better, so you can get back your confidence and improve your quality of life.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything: from the basics of incontinence to practical tips and top products, such as incontinence pads, to help you or a loved one live more comfortably.
In this guide:
- Understanding incontinence
- The types of incontinence
- Signs and symptoms to look out for
- Practical tips for managing incontinence
Understanding incontinence
Incontinence is a frustrating loss of bladder control for many older adults. It can range from occasional urine leakage from a laugh or sneeze to an overwhelming and sudden urge to find a bathroom.
There are many common signs which we’ll get into later, but the most frequent are:
- Poor bladder control
- Unexpected bladder leaks
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
So, let’s take a look at the different types of incontinence, so you can understand which might be giving you bother.
What are the different types of incontinence?
Incontinence comes in many forms, each with its own unique challenges and ways of managing it. Keep reading to see which type of incontinence you or a loved one is experiencing so you know how to manage it best.
1. Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence happens during physical activities, such as:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Laughing
This tends to happen due to weakened pelvic floor muscles that can no longer support the bladder properly. It’s a common type of incontinence for many adults, including 34% of women who tend to experience it following childbirth.
2. Urge incontinence
Sometimes known as urgency incontinence, this type is usually marked by a sudden and intense urge to urinate, sometimes followed by an involuntary loss of urine.
Urge incontinence is caused by overactive bladder muscles that contract uncontrollably. So, if you find yourself frequently rushing to the bathroom - often not making it in time - urge incontinence may be the culprit.
3. Overflow incontinence
This type of incontinence happens when the bladder doesn’t empty completely and results in frequent dribbling of urine. It tends to come about due to medical conditions like an enlarged prostate or nerve damage that affects bladder function.
4. Functional incontinence
Functional incontinence is when you can’t reach the bathroom in time. It’s not necessarily about your bladder function but rather the ability to get to the toilet on time if you have mobility issues or neurological conditions.
5. Bowel incontinence
And finally, there is bowel incontinence - aka faecal incontinence - which affects the ability to control your bowel movements.
This can range from occasional leaks while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. Causes include muscle and nerve damage or medical conditions affecting the digestive system.
Signs and symptoms of incontinence
Let’s briefly go over the key signs and symptoms of incontinence so you know exactly what to look out for.
- Urine leaks and loss of urine
- Frequent/sudden urge to urinate
- Inability to reach the toilet on time
- Loss of bladder control
Incontinence can present itself in many ways. Knowing these signs can help you address your incontinence more effectively, either through the use of incontinence pads or professional help.
Practical tips for managing your incontinence
If you’re concerned that incontinence is affecting your quality of life, then there’s good news. There are plenty of simple ways to combat your incontinence so it doesn’t rule your life.
1. Kegel and pelvic floor exercises
When it comes to improving incontinence symptoms, it all starts with the pelvic floor. The muscles in this part of the body may need strengthening, which is where kegel exercises come in.
Kegel exercises are simple exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime, and are proven to reduce urine leakage.
You know the muscles you’d use to stop the flow of urine midstream or from passing gas? They’re the muscles you need to work on.
- Tighten for 3 seconds
- Relax for 3 seconds
- Aim for 3 x 10 repetitions, 3 times a day
It might take some time to feel the benefits of kegel exercises, but with some patience, you might just find that your urinary incontinence symptoms have gone down.
2. Incontinence products
Invest in some incontinence pads to contain any dribbles or leakages. Even if you haven’t quite mastered your bladder control yet, incontinence pants or pads are discreet, absorbent and comfortable enough to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
There are plenty of high-quality brands to choose from, including Drylife, TENA, and more. Check out Incontinence UK to learn more.
3. Bladder training
Bladder training is another helpful technique for improving bladder control and your symptoms of urinary incontinence. It teaches your bladder to hold urine longer, which helps manage any frequent or urgent needs to urinate.
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Establish a regular bathroom visit schedule, typically every two hours. Even if you don’t feel the urge, go anyway to start building a routine.
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Once you’re comfortable with this schedule, extend each time by about 15 minutes. This helps your bladder get used to holding more urine.
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When you feel the urge to leave your scheduled time, try delaying it. Deep breathing or getting stuck into a simple task can help distract you from the urge.
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In a bladder diary, record the times you go, how much was passed, and any other instances of leakage. Note what was happening during an urge, as well as what you’d eaten/drank that day - plus any other influencing factors.
4. Manage your diet
Your diet plays a major role in controlling your incontinence. What you eat and drink impacts your bladder in many ways - let’s take a closer look.
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A diet high in fibre helps maintain bowel movements and prevents constipation, which can pressure the bladder and worsen symptoms of incontinence. Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to keep on top of your digestive health.
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Spicy/acidic foods and caffeinated/alcoholic drinks can irritate the bladder and increase the likelihood of urine leaks, so make sure to avoid them where possible.
- Focus on a diet full of lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. This supports a healthy weight and overall health, helping to reduce symptoms.
5. Fluid intake
While it might seem counterintuitive, drink plenty of water. This will avoid dehydration which can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms of incontinence. Instead of having large amounts of water at once, though, try sipping small amounts regularly throughout the day.
Take control with Incontinence UK
If you’re struggling with incontinence, we understand how it can affect your everyday life. But it can be easier with the help of high-quality products from Incontinence UK!
Through our selection of incontinence pads, incontinence pants, and much more, you can start living a comfortable and secure life again.
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