Urinary incontinence occurs when the muscles within and surrounding the bladder do not function normally. As a result, urine leaks, causing urinary incontinence. It affects not just women but also men.
You may be shocked if you Google the stats of how many people are affected in your country! You may find that people in four, or even one in three, suffer from incontinence.
It is a serious concern for seniors who are not near a bathroom. After all, they can’t run to the bathroom as quickly as they once did, and accidents would be highly embarrassing.
Factors That Trigger Urinary Incontinence In Women
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Vaginal infections or vaginal irritation
- Medications
- Constipation
- Weak bladder
- Overactive bladder muscles
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Nerve damage from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases affects the bladder.
- Pelvic organs shift from their normal position affecting the anus or vagina. This usually stops the bladder and urethra from working and causes the urine to leak.
Factors That Trigger Urinary Incontinence In Men
- Damage or injury to the nerves from surgery.
- Prostatitis – a condition caused by inflammation in the prostate gland.
- Swelling of the prostate gland, leading to benign prostate hyperplasia.
Various Types of Urinary Incontinence
Functional incontinence: This type of urinary incontinence occurs when seniors have difficulty getting to the toilet in time or cannot move properly. Functional incontinence affects many seniors even if they still have standard bladder control.
Overflow incontinence: This type of incontinence is often due to spinal cord injuries or diabetes. When a person has difficulty emptying their bladder due to an enlarged prostate that blocks the urethra, urine can leak.
Stress incontinence: Stress incontinence is the most widespread bladder control problem. It happens when pressure is applied to the bladder during intense exercise, lifting heavy objects, sneezing, coughing, or laughing. It is also common among younger women.
Urge incontinence: This form of incontinence can happen to anyone! It happens when people get the sudden urge to urinate but cannot control their bladder long enough to get to the bathroom. This condition is common among people with Alzheimer’s, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or even those who have suffered a stroke.
Urinary Incontinence Treatments
Urinary incontinence can be very distressing, but fortunately, there are treatments to help manage this embarrassing problem. As there are different types of urinary incontinence issues, the type of treatment also varies. Products such as disposable underwear and napkins could also be helpful.
Bladder control training: Doing pelvic floor exercises or kegel exercises may help strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder. Urgency suppression strategies, which entail distracting yourself from holding off and keeping your mind from focusing too much on the need to urinate, can also help. Scheduling urination time can also be effective in controlling the bladder. With this type of training, practice makes perfect!
Medical treatments: In some cases, urinary incontinence may necessitate medical devices such as a catheter or vaginal pessary ring, which may help with stress incontinence. In severe cases, your healthcare provider may advise electrical nerve stimulation, biofeedback, and surgery.
Lifestyle changes: Behavioral changes may be applied to manage bladder issues. In some cases, quitting smoking, losing weight, avoiding alcoholic drinks and caffeinated beverages, and drinking water can help ease this condition.
Bowel incontinence: Bowel incontinence or fecal incontinence is the involuntary release of solid or liquid feces. Men and women are equally affected by bowel incontinence, which can be a distressing problem for seniors.
Various Forms of Fecal Incontinence
Urge incontinence: This condition happens due to an uncontrollable urge to defecate and an inability to get to the bathroom on time. Urge incontinence is common in people with weakness in the external anal sphincter.
Passive incontinence: Also known as stress incontinence, this condition happens to people with weakness in the internal anal sphincter. This type of fecal leakage occurs when either sneezing or coughing.
Overflow incontinence: This type of fecal leakage happens when fecal liquid builds up behind an obstructing stool. This usually occurs when constipation is an issue.
Treatment For Bowel Incontinence
Minor cases of incontinence can be managed at home by eating a healthier diet, doing pelvic floor exercises, and scheduling toilet trips. In more severe cases, bowel incontinence can be treated with prescription medicines, biofeedback training, and surgery.
If you are a family member of someone suffering from incontinence, providing support and seeking thorough care can help ease further complications and problems, and also their embarrassment.
frequently Asked Questions
I’ve heard of stress and urge incontinence, but are there other types affecting seniors specifically?
Absolutely. As we age, we might encounter less-discussed types like overflow incontinence, where the bladder doesn’t empty fully, leading to leaks. This can be because of weakened bladder muscles or blockages. Also, functional incontinence arises when physical or cognitive issues prevent timely bathroom trips. It’s like the body’s signaling system gets disrupted.
My mom has dementia. Is there a connection between cognitive decline and incontinence?
Sadly, yes. Studies have shown a strong link between dementia and incontinence, especially as the disease progresses. The brain’s ability to acknowledge and respond to bladder signals can deteriorate. It’s not just about forgetting where the bathroom is, but a more profound neurological disconnect.
I’m a caregiver for my elderly father. How can I help him manage incontinence without making him feel embarrassed?
Sensitivity is key. First, normalize the conversation. Let your father know the condition is common and nothing to be ashamed of. Create a supportive environment with easy bathroom access, discreet absorbent products, and a consistent toileting schedule. Focus on maintaining his dignity and independence.
Are there any specific medications that might worsen incontinence in older adults?
Certain medications like diuretics (water pills) can increase urine production and contribute to this condition. Also, due to drowsiness, sedatives or tranquilizers might make getting to the bathroom on time difficult. It’s crucial to review your father’s medication list with his doctor and discuss any potential side effects related to bladder function.
I’m worried about the emotional toll of incontinence on my aging loved one. What can I do to provide emotional support?
This condition can significantly impact emotional well-being, leading to feelings of embarrassment, isolation, and depression. Offer a listening ear, validate their emotions, and encourage them to talk outright about their concerns. Seek out support groups or counseling if needed. Remind them they are not alone and that many resources are available to help them cope.
Can pelvic floor exercises help with incontinence in seniors, or is it too late?
It’s never too late! Pelvic floor workouts, also known as Kegels, can be beneficial at any age. These exercises bolster the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, improving bladder control and reducing leakage. Even minor developments can make a big difference in quality of life.
My grandmother is resistant to using adult diapers. Are there more discreet options available?
Absolutely. The market offers many absorbent products beyond traditional “diapers.” Consider trying pads or liners specifically designed for this condition, which are thinner and more discreet. There are also washable and reusable options for those who prefer a more ecologically friendly approach.
Are any surgical interventions for incontinence suitable for older adults?
While surgery might not be the first-line treatment for seniors, minimally invasive procedures can be effective for certain types. Options like urethral bulking agents or sling procedures can help improve bladder control and decrease leakage. It’s essential to converse the risks and benefits with a urologist to determine the best course of action.
I’ve heard conflicting information about the effectiveness of bladder training. Does it work for seniors?
Bladder training can be practical for seniors with urge incontinence, where the bladder contracts involuntarily. It involves gradually raising the time between bathroom trips to retrain the bladder to hold more urine. While it requires patience and consistency, many seniors have seen significant improvements in bladder control through bladder training.
What are the latest advancements in research, and are there any promising treatments on the horizon?
Research is ongoing, and several promising treatments are in development. These include new medications that target specific bladder receptors, innovative nerve stimulation techniques, and regenerative therapies that aim to restore damaged bladder tissue. While these treatments are still experimental, they offer hope for improved bladder management.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/bladder-health-and-incontinence/urinary-incontinence-older-adults
- General Information: https://www.nafc.org
- Urinary Incontinence: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808
Last update on 2024-06-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API