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What is Incontinence?

Urinary Incontinence is a term that describes any accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. Incontinence is quite a widespread condition nowadays. It isn't a disease but is actually a symptom of diseases and health conditions. The issue of incontinence is an outcome of our habits, medical conditions and physical ailments.

The health condition of incontinence starts when our balloon-like bladder becomes incapable of storing a supposed amount of urine or when our bladder muscles are unable to control the discharge of urine. Thus, it is a problem which affects the capability of humans of holding or passing out of the urine.

The condition of incontinence is pretty common and is indicated by the sudden urge to urinate or peeing inside the pants unconsciously while performing day-to-day activities.

bladders

Loss of control over the sphincter muscles leads to involuntary leakage of urine.

Ageing and Incontinence

A human body’s urinary system is made up of kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. With age, the functioning of kidney and bladder is bound to change which can trigger the issue of urine incontinence amongst the elderly. Changes to the kidney like number of tissues getting reduced and hardening of blood vessels can disturb the process of urinary system. Changes in the bladder wall, bladder muscles and blockage of urethra are some other factors that affect the functioning of the urinary system.

Kidney Organs

Organs of a urinary system.

Incontinence in Women

The two most common form of incontinence among women are - Stress and Urge. Nearly, 58% of females suffer from the problem of stress incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs while liftihts and running or while coughing, sneezing and laughing. Others may feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate just before losing a large amount of urine. Stress and urge incontinence often occur together in women.

Men Women

Incontinence in Men

Incontinence in men is certainly not uncommon and nearly 5-15% of men with age 60 and above are bound to suffer from the issue of urine incontinence. With ageing, health problems like coughing and sneezing also start which trigger the problem of urine incontinence in men. Other factors like diabetes, being overweight, prostate issues and stroke can play an important role in triggering the incontinence problem.

Psychological Impact of Incontinence

Urine Incontinence makes an individual feel isolated, rejected from the society, dependent on others and anxious. There is an increased expenditure on incontinence care products and walking aids which puts a pressure on the pocket and builds up stress in the lives of sufferer and other family members. Individuals suffering from urine incontinence often live in denial considering that the incontinence problem is irreversible or unmanageable which creates pressure in their mind.

Being unable to deal with the incontinence problem even makes an individual feel frustrated because of lack of rest and sleep. Urine incontinence makes a person feel irritated and reduce the tolerance power making them feel all the more frustrated.

Psychological Impact of Incontinence