Urinary incontinence occurs when you are unable to control your bladder sufficiently to stop urine leaking. This condition is relatively common, and is not restricted to the elderly. There are several causes of incontinence. The most common of these is known as stress incontinence, which occurs during other physical activity like exercise or even coughing or sneezing. Urinary incontinence might be more frequent among older people but it shouldn’t be assumed that the condition is completely benign.

Symptoms of incontinence can range from very minor, although inconvenient, leakage while exercising, right through to the feeling of always needing to go to the toilet. Urinary incontinence can happen in either gender, but it is much more common among women than men. This is partly due to the higher number of bladder complications in later life that are related to childbirth.

Incontinence is most common in either very young or very old people. The majority of residents in aged care will suffer from incontinence, requiring incontinence bed pads or regular use of incontinence underwear. Many people feel embarrassed about this condition, and can go a long time without seeking medical help. However there are a range of effective treatments available. Some of the easiest remedies can also be the most effective. For minor cases, changing your diet or fluid intake can make a real difference.

If your condition is more serious or is related to another medical condition, you might need to explore other treatment options. Medication can be an effective way of treating incontinence. The most popular medications for this condition are anti-cholinergic drugs, which work by blocking bladder nerves. This type of medication is highly effective. There are also several minor surgical procedures which can be effective in treating pregnancy related incontinence, so it is well worth discussing the available options with your GP!

Posted on: February 14th, 2010 by Natural Remedy Reporter

Filed under: Internal Health

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