How to Overcome Urinary Incontinence

Learn more about what you can do when you see this in a loved one and how to overcome urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is any leakage of urine. It is also known as involuntary urination. Incontinence affects the lives of about 50 percent of older Americans. It’s something many seniors struggle with, but few wish to discuss. No one wants to admit the embarrassing fact that they cannot control their bladder.

Depending on the person, incontinence may be a temporary issue. This is why it’s important to consult a doctor. Women predominantly struggle with incontinence, but men also face this issue. Medications, constipation, vaginal or urinary tract infection (UTI) may cause incontinence. Other causes are overactive bladder muscles, nerve

damage, interstitial cystitis, difficulty getting to the toilet in time, and for men, an enlarged prostate. Not everyone faces incontinence, but the most common risk factors are being female, getting older, high-impact sports, excess body fat, smoking, and chronic diseases such as kidney disease, prostate cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, etc.

There are several different types of ways incontinence affects seniors:

Urge Incontinence is a result of not being able to hold urine long enough to make it to the toilet in time. Overflow Incontinence stems from an individual’s inability to empty their bladder completely. A full bladder may leak small amounts of urine resulting in an overflow of urine. This type is more common in men, as an enlarged prostate can block the urethra. This makes it difficult to empty the bladder.

Functional Incontinence is common in seniors with dementia. As dementia worsens, seniors may forget to use the restroom. Bowel Incontinence is the loss of control over bowel movements. It’s also possible for someone to experience multiple forms. This is known as Mixed Incontinence.

The topic of incontinence is a sensitive topic. This topic is something your aging parent may not want to discuss or admit. When talking with your parent, remember you’re talking with an adult. Be respectful in the way you approach the conversation.

While this is seen as a vanity issue, it’s important to speak the truth in a loving way. Such as, if left untreated, the senior will smell like urine. This is much more embarrassing than using proper protection for leakage. You can also offer some of the following suggestions to help address incontinence issues.

By plotting out bathroom usage, you can get a better idea of when to make your way to the toilet.

Smoking can increase the need to urinate, which affects bladder control. Additionally, the coughing associated with smoking can put extra pressure on the bladder, resulting in damage to its muscles.

Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that control the urethra. This helps you regain control of your flow when urinating. Furthermore, losing excess weight can help reduce urinary incontinence.

While it may sound like more fluids are the last thing you want to use to combat incontinence, it’s important to hydrate. Cutting your fluid intake can irritate the bladder making incontinence symptoms worse and can lead to kidney stones, constipation, and dehydration.

Caffeine is a bladder irritant and diuretic, it’s best to cut back or completely cut it out.

These disposable products make it easy for seniors to go about their day without fear of leakage or embarrassment. Worn like underwear, these adult briefs are available in different styles, colors, and absorption capabilities.

There are several medicines and surgeries that your doctor can recommend to help deal with incontinence if necessary. They can also help you in narrowing down triggers for the cause of urinary incontinence in your lifestyle.