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Incontinence is a problem that many people suffer from, but few talk about. It can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with, but it doesn’t have to be. There are four types of incontinence: stress, urge, overflow, and functional. Each type has its own causes and treatment methods. In this blog post, we will discuss each type of incontinence and how to best treat them!
First, what are the first signs of incontinence?
There are a few different types of incontinence, but the most common is urinary incontinence. The first signs of this type of incontinence are usually leaking during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. As the condition progresses, you may also begin to leak when you stand up or move around.
Incontinence can also affect your ability to hold your urine. You may find yourself needing to go more frequently, and you may have accidents if you don’t make it to the bathroom in time. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so they can determine the cause and develop a treatment plan. Incontinence is a very treatable condition, but it’s important to get help as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your urinary system.
The 4 types of incontinence
Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, often due to childbirth or age. Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles and prevent leakage during activities like running or coughing.
Urge incontinence is a sudden, strong need to urinate that cannot be controlled. Medication and bladder training can help to better control the urge and prevent accidents.
Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is always full, causing leakage even without the urge to urinate. This can be caused by an obstruction in the bladder or nerve damage.
Functional incontinence is when a physical or mental disability affects one’s ability to reach the bathroom in time. Assistive devices and scheduled bathroom breaks can help manage this type of incontinence.
The #1 cause of incontinence
According to the Mayo Clinic, weak pelvic floor muscles are the number one cause of incontinence. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder and bowel. These muscles can be weakened by pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, and aging. When the pelvic floor muscles are weak, they may not be able to properly support the bladder and bowel, leading to incontinence. There are a number of treatments available for incontinence, but the best way to prevent it is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This can be done through physiotherapy to help reduce or eliminate incontinence.
How physiotherapy can be an effective treatment
Also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy, this type of therapy uses exercises and other techniques to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder. This can help to increase bladder control and reduce the frequency and severity of incontinence episodes. In addition, physiotherapy can help to improve bowel function and sexual function. If you’re struggling with incontinence, talk to your doctor about whether physiotherapy might be right for you.
What happens if incontinence is left untreated?
Left untreated, incontinence can have a number of deleterious effects on one’s health. For starters, the constant wetness can lead to skin irritation, cuts, and even wounds. In addition, the bacteria that thrive in moist environments can cause infections. These infections can range from mild skin infections to more serious urinary tract infections. In extreme cases, untreated incontinence can even lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to infection.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments available for incontinence, so it is important to seek help if you or a loved one is struggling with this condition. By getting the treatment you need, you can avoid the potential complications of untreated incontinence and live a happy and healthy life.
In conclusion, Incontinence is a very common and treatable condition, and the best way to prevent it is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve bladder control and reduce incontinence symptoms. If you or a loved one is struggling with incontinence, talk to your doctor or pelvic floor physiotherapist.