Bladder Control

DEFINITION

Incontinence or Continence is the inability to control urination, and/or the passing of faeces. Urine flow is controlled by two ring-like muscles - one located around the bladder neck and one close to the urethral outlet.

TYPES OF INCONTINENCE AND CAUSES

STRESS INCONTINENCE

This affects women, men and children and may be because of a mental or physical stress. Very often the pressures of a family break-up, financial worries, employment concerns, study pressures etc. may trigger this normally temporary form of Incontinence. The PHYSICAL STRESS is normally caused by a sudden slight exertion such as laughter, sneezing, coughing, exercising, lifting etc.

URGE INCONTINENCE

This is recognised by a strong urge to urinate. This may be caused by a urinary tract infection, spinal injury or disease, constipation etc.

OVERFLOW INCONTINENCE

This is recognised when the bladder is too full and is unable to contract. In MEN the most common cause is an obstruction such as an enlarged prostate gland. In WOMEN the most common causes are constipation or uterine fibroids.

REFLEX INCONTINENCE

This is the term given when the sufferer is not aware of the need to urinate. This is caused by a disease or an injury to the nervous system.

CHILDHOOD ENURESIS

This in commonly known as bed-wetting. It is more common in boys than in girls. The cause may be stress related but if it continues, medical advice should be sought to exclude any urinary tract infection as a possible reason.

FAECAL INCONTINENCE

This is far less common, but obviously far more distressing for everyone concerned. The cause needs to be found and this condition treated. One such common cause is constipation, where fluid leaks around the faecal mass, and may be due to uncontrolled diarrhoea.

TRANSIENT INCONTINENCE

This has easily recognisable causes. These include urinary tract infections, constipation, the effect of medication, onset of illness, or an injury.

It is very important that all sufferers be given the opportunity of having the best social Continence. They have the right to a DIGNIFIED MANAGEMENT OF THE CONDITION.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you