Five Points for Incontinence

Five Points on Adult Incontinence

Incontinence is surprisingly common in adults around the Ireland, but it is a problem that is not really talked about. Whilst it is not strictly taboo, the embarrassment it causes means that it is rarely talked about it. In this article we will look at the kinds of adult incontinence that are common across the Ireland and hopefully open eyes to the problems that thousands of adults are dealing with in silence every day.

Urge Incontinence

One of the most common types of incontinence in adults is urge incontinence, called so because of the unmanageable urge one gets to urinate. Common in both men and women urge incontinence sufferers tend to be able to make it the toilet in time with minimal leakage. Problems occur when there is nowhere for the sufferer to go. Urge incontinence is caused by the bladder contracting too often and emptying before it is full. MS, Parkinson’s, strokes and Alzheimer’s are all known causes of urge incontinence.

Stress Incontinence

One of the best known forms of incontinence it is caused by stress being placed on the bladder. Even a little stress caused by coughing, sneezing or laughing can cause leakage. It is quite common for females to develop stress incontinence after birth. For their male counterparts it is the enlarging of the prostate as they get older that is a common factor. It has been noted that stress incontinence is common in women post menopause which suggests that the female hormone has something to do with stress incontinence.

Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence can also occur in both men and women.

Overflow incontinence is brought about by the bladder not emptying as it should which results in an overfull bladder. This type of incontinence is more common in men than women

Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence is a combination of two different types of incontinence (mainly stress and urge incontinence), it can affect both sexes. It is interesting to note that women are more likely to get mixed than stress or urge incontinence on their own.

Functional Incontinence

When an adult is unable to move or communicate their need to urinate or unable to navigate to the bathroom of their own accord it is called functional incontinence. As we may suspect it is most common in the elderly.
No matter what kind of adult incontinence we suffer from it will have a direct effect on our life and how we live it. It is important for both we and our family to know what help and products are available to us.