Do you or someone you care about suffer from urinary incontinence? You’re not alone. …
…In fact, it’s estimated that over 200 million people worldwide do! We know it can be a sensitive and embarrassing topic, but that’s where we come in… not only to provide great incontinence products but also to provide all the information you need!
In this article, explain the five main types of urinary incontinence, their causes, and the various solutions available to help you live your life with comfort and confidence!
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence is caused by weakening or damage to the pelvic floor muscles or the urinary sphincter (that controls urine flow) which results in urine loss during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing or even laughing… well anything that increases the pressure on the bladder!
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder which contracts involuntarily causing a person to experience leakage before they have time to make it to the restroom. Common symptoms of urge incontinence include a strong, sudden urge to urinate and leakage shortly after the urge has been felt.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence, is a common type of incontinence especially in older women
Overflow Incontinence
This occurs when a weak bladder muscle or a blockage prevents the bladder from fully emptying itself, resulting in constant or frequent leakage. This condition is characterized by a feeling of incomplete emptying and dribbling urine. You may experience the urge to urinate, but only a small amount is released.
Functional Incontinence
Functional Incontinence is caused by something unrelated to the urinary tract, for example when someone is physically or mentally limited, which makes it difficult for them to reach the restroom in time to avoid accidents. This type of incontinence is characterized by symptoms such as urine leakage when in public and the struggle to get to the restroom on time.
The Management of Urinary Incontinence
The key to managing any type of urinary incontinence is to identify the underlying cause and then create an effective management plan. It’s important to remember that everyone is different and the best treatment for one person may not be the best course of action for another. We recommend seeing a medical practitioner that specializes in pelvic health.
Management options for incontinence may include:
- Making use of absorbent products (like our awesome underwear range!)
- Lifestyle changes such as starting a specialized exercise plan, avoiding bladder irritants, managing your fluid intake, and quitting smoking!
- In some cases there may be medications which help reduce episodes of leakage
- Physiotherapy (please see a pelvic health physio)
- In severe cases, surgery may be an option.
Remember – you are not alone. There is help available and with proper treatment, it is possible to manage your urinary incontinence and get back to living the life you want.
We hope this information was helpful in understanding the different types of urinary incontinence and how they can be managed. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!
Thank you for reading!
The Smartunderwear Team
PS. We have made it our mission to provide an awesome alternative to disposable products for bladder leaks! CLICK HERE to see our range!
