ADP - Just How 'Adult' Is Adult Incontinence

I’m doing something bold today – I’m coming out to the world about my pee woes. Yes, that’s right. I’m revealing to all of you here that I have adult incontinence – because I believe that the more we talk about incontinence in adults, the more normal it will seem (and it is very normal!), so we can help each other live our best lives without feeling embarrassed.

Many people think of incontinence in adults as something that is reserved for nursing homes and the elderly. This is partly why it took me so long to admit to myself that I have adult incontinence. After doing lots of research on the subject, I learned that adult incontinence isn’t something only experienced by the elderly. After all, it’s called adult incontinence, not elderly incontinence. Somehow, my brain skipped over that fact.

In fact, it took me years of walking around in damp underwear and always scoping out the fastest route to the nearest toilet until I decided to ‘woman’ up, admit what was really going on, and buy myself some protection. And, why? All because I was too young to have adult incontinence.

So, here’s the big reveal: Incontinence in adults is much more common than you may think. It turns out quite a lot of adult women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s experience adult incontinence – actually 1 in 3! And I’m one of them! If you are too, education is a big first step in managing your condition and regaining your confidence.

So, here is everything you need to know about the main types of adult incontinence and what to do about it.

Just How 'Adult' Is Adult Incontinence

ADP - What is urinary incontinence? Symptoms and causes

ADP - Urge incontinence & frequent urination in women: causes and treatments

Urge Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms

ADP -  Managing Urge Incontinence

Managing Urge Incontinence

Stress incontinence is caused by a weakness in the bladder neck, which is the junction between the bladder and the urethra. When your bladder neck is weakened, it is no longer able to hold in little leaks of urine when stressed by things like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. If the condition is more severe, it may also cause leaks during less forceful activities, such as standing up or bending over.

Stress incontinence is more common in women who have had multiple vaginal births, or [have gone through menopause](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/menopause-hub/). Tissue or nerve damage during delivery of a child can lead to this type of incontinence, and its symptoms may begin soon after the delivery or occur even years later. Some other factors that might contribute to stress incontinence include: illnesses that cause chronic coughing, smoking, obesity, and high-impact activities, such as running.

Such incontinence may be effectively treated by pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic muscles. Women can perform them on their own or under the guidance of a healthcare provider or physical therapist. Other possible treatments for incontinence are bladder training, medication, or surgery.

Stress incontinence

ADP - What are the different types of urinary incontinence?

What are the different types of urinary incontinence?

 Advice & Support - AS01 - Bladder Problems

Bladder Problems

So, let’s start with a definition of terms. What is urinary incontinence exactly? To put it simply, it is a reduction in bladder control. It is caused by problems with the muscles and nerves that help the bladder hold or release urine. The symptoms of incontinence can range anywhere from occasional little leaks when you cough, laugh, or sneeze to an urge to urinate that comes on so strongly that you don’t make it to the toilet on time.

Many women experiencing [urinary incontinence](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/bladder-problems/overflow-incontinence-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/) stop doing certain activities as a result of their bladder leaks. For example, they might be afraid of experiencing bladder leaks whilst out with friends, so they opt to stay home instead of doing much-enjoyed physical activities like aerobics, tennis, dancing, or gardening. Even a short run to the local shop – away from a toilet – can become a source of anxiety. This need not be the case. With a little management, you can live a life filled with the activities you love despite experiencing incontinence.

There is a common misconception around incontinence that it’s an affliction of the elderly. Though it occurs more often as people get older, this condition is experienced also by younger individuals. In fact, 1 in 3 women aged 18 and older experience from urinary incontinence. So, if you experience a leak, you are not alone. Remember that there are many methods and aids that can help you manage incontinence and have an active life.

What is incontinence?

ADP - What Causes Frequent Urination?.

Frequent Urination: Causes

Urge incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder or OAB, is caused by damage to the nerves in and around the bladder. As a result, the bladder no longer effectively communicates to the brain when it needs to be emptied. This leads to sudden, intense urges to urinate that often don’t leave you with enough time to get to a toilet, resulting in an involuntary loss of urine. The urge to urinate may come on more frequently than it would with a healthy bladder, often leading you to wake up more than once in the middle of the night to urinate.

Urge incontinence may be treated using behavioural therapies, such as bladder training and timed voiding, as well as medication. Bladder training involves gradual increase in the time between bathroom breaks to retrain the bladder to hold urine for longer periods. Timed voiding is based on scheduling visits to the bathroom to prevent the bladder from becoming too full. Surgery may be required in most severe cases of OAB.

Urge incontinence

OG-Just-How-Adult-Is-Adult-Incontinence

ADP - Overflow incontinence: symptoms, causes and treatment options

Overflow incontinence

The symptoms of incontinence that you experience depend on what type of incontinence you have. There are several types of urinary incontinence, each with its own set of symptoms and causes. Understanding the differences and similarities between them is important for effective management and treatment. The five main kinds of incontinence are as follows:

What are the types of urinary incontinence?

What is Urinary Incontinence?

For carers, urinary incontinence care can be a very sensitive issue. It’s difficult for many older people to handle on their own and frequent leaks can be embarrassing – even humiliating. So how can carers help ease their loved one into trying urinary incontinence products [liners](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-products/incontinence-liners), [pads](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-products/incontinence-pads) or [underwear?](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-products/incontinence-pants) Here are some suggestions on how to help your loved one address their urinary incontinence with dignity, comfort, and support.

ADP - Incontinence Care Advice

Incontinence Care Advice

ADP - Bladder leakage in women: symptoms, causes and treatment | Always Discreet

Bladder leakage in women: symptoms, causes and treatment

Urinary incontinence is a common condition causing an involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder. There are many possible symptoms and causes of incontinence.

What is urinary incontinence? Symptoms and causes

Dr. Jessica Muir 

Leaving the house when you’re caring for an incontinent loved one can feel like a monumental task. The stress of caring for an incontinent person in a public toilet can feel particularly daunting. With a little planning, however, leaving the house can be made easier. Pack a bag with necessary supplies. Good things to have on you are pads, wipes, incontinence underwear, gloves, and a change of clothes. Consider bringing a laminated sign to post outside public toilets to alert other people and ask for patience and consideration – for instance “wife caring for disabled husband.”

Planning

Just How ´Adult´ is Adult Incontinence

Overflow incontinence is caused by a bladder that cannot fully empty due to an obstruction – such as a tumour, polyp, or urinary stone – or muscle weakness. Pressure from an overly full bladder creates a constant dribble of urine, even though you may not feel the urge to go. Overflow incontinence is the only type of urinary incontinence that is more common in men than women, often associated with prostate issues. See your doctor for help diagnosing any underlying issue that may be causing overflow incontinence. They may also prescribe medications or surgical devices that can help manage the condition.

Overflow Incontinence

Pressure of urine


__Stress Incontinence__ is the most common type of adult incontinence in women. When pressure is exerted on the bladder, urine is involuntarily released, leaving you damp. Sneezing, coughing, laughing, lifting heavy objects and exercise are the most likely activities to cause stress incontinence and urine leakage.

Increased anbdominal pressure

What Causes Frequent Urination?.

ADP - Urinary incontinence while coughing â€“ what to do?

Urinary incontinence while coughing – what to do? 

 Advice & Support - Back to Advice & Support Page

ADP - What is stress urinary incontinence? Symptoms, causes and treatment

What is stress urinary incontinence? Symptoms, causes and treatment

Advice from our Experts

ADP - What Is Overactive Bladder? Symptoms, causes, and prevention

What is Overactive Bladder?

To understand your own personal incontinence issues as best as possible, we recommend that you talk to your doctor as a first step. Your doctor may be able to cure it, treat it or at least help you manage bladder leaks better.

What to do in case of each type of urinary incontinence?

Are you having trouble convincing your loved one to try protection against bladder leaks? Or maybe the topic is too hard to even discuss? Not only are bladder leaks embarrassing, they are embarrassing to talk about – especially for many elderly parents to discuss with their own children.

That’s why the urinary incontinence issue may be better approached by a non-family member, like an old friend or a doctor. A peer can empathise with the challenges of ageing and connect on an emotional level to comfort your loved one. He or she may even share advice based on their own personal experiences. Reassure your friend that urinary incontinence, while often not discussed, is quite a common condition. In fact, 1 in 3 women over the age of 35 experience some form of urinary incontinence. A doctor can reassure them by explaining that their situation is normal and that many other patients of a similar age face urinary incontinence, too.

Have Your Loved One Talk to a Doctor or a Peer

Many people find that understanding incontinence is helpful! On its most basic level, urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine, but there are different kinds of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence affects different women in different ways for varying reasons.
Urinary incontinence can manifest in various forms depending on the mechanisms and causes. It can be caused by anything from [pregnancy](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/pregnancy-and-postpartum/pregnancy-incontinence-and-new-mums) to [menopause](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/menopause/what-is-menopause), strenuous physical activities or even a medical condition. Each type is characterised by distinct symptoms and requires a specific approach to diagnosis and treatment. The following types of urinary incontinence are distinguished:

- Urge incontinence (UI);
- Stress incontinence (SI);
- Overflow incontinence;
- Mixed incontinence (MI);
- Functional incontinence;
- Total incontinence.

Types of urinary incontinence 

Overflow incontinence occurs when your bladder fails to fully empty. The pressure of an overly full bladder results in a constant, involuntary dribble, or flow of urine. Some people may also experience difficulty when starting urination or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the bladder. This type of incontinence is also quite common in men, especially when caused by an enlarged prostate gland.

There are various reasons that might lead to overflow incontinence. One of them is the weakness of bladder muscles, which are unable to squeeze the bladder correctly. This condition can also be affected by nerve damage as a result of injuries, surgeries, or some diseases, making you unable to sense a full bladder. Sometimes overflow incontinence can also be caused by obstructions in the urinary tract, such as bladder stones, constipation, or narrowing of the urethra.

ADP - 4 myths about bladder weakness in women

4 myths about bladder weakness in women

Caring for an incontinent person is often quite a physical task, involving lifting, moving, shifting, helping them out of bed, standing them up and sitting them down. All of this becomes challenging when there is a large difference in size between the two people. Age and disability also often affect the ease with which a loved one can be manoeuvred. Consider consulting a physical therapist for tips on how to move a loved one properly without causing injury to yourself.

Know your limitations

Overflow incontinence: symptoms, causes and treatment options

4 Myths about Bladder Weakness

There are many different causes of urinary incontinence, including underlying medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and certain medications. Understanding them can help individuals and healthcare providers develop effective treatment plans to manage or even cure this condition. Below are some of the main causes and risk factors associated with urinary incontinence.

Some of temporary and short-term causes of incontinence:

- __Urinary tract infection__ – Urinary tract infections irritate and inflame the tissues in the bladder and urinary tract, causing urge incontinence. This kind of incontinence is temporary and will go away when the infection clears up.
- __Medications__ – Some diuretics or antidepressants could lead to incontinence as a temporary side effect.
- __Food and beverages__ – Drinks like coffee and alcohol can significantly increase the need to urinate much more often. The same goes for foods such as chocolate, chili peppers or citrus fruits.
- __Constipation__ – Some problems with bladder control can be caused by chronic constipation because the rectum shares many nerves with the bladder.

The following long-term causes could lead to incontinence:

- __Pregnancy and childbirth__ – The hormonal changes and weight of carrying around a foetus can affect the pelvic floor. Vaginal childbirth can damage the pelvic floor and the surrounding nerves and tissues, leading to chronic stress or urge incontinence.
- __Being overweight__ – Carrying extra pounds puts stress on the pelvic floor, leading to stress incontinence. This can usually be rectified by losing weight.
- __Menopause__ – The lack of oestrogen causes depletion of collagen in the bladder and urethra and weakens the tone overall. This leads to stress incontinence.
- __Previous surgery__ – Having undergone a previous surgery in your lower abdominal cavity, such as a hysterectomy or C-section, may have damaged the nerves leading to the bladder, resulting in urge incontinence.
- __Obstruction__ – Blockages anywhere along the urinary system, such as urinary stones or polyps along the bladder or urethra, can prevent the bladder from fully emptying, leading to overflow incontinence.
- __Neurological disorders__ – Diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s affect the brain’s communication with the nerves in the body, which can lead to urge incontinence.
- __Smoking__ – Chronic smokers' cough can weaken the pelvic floor by exerting continually repeated pressure on the muscles of the pelvic floor that can eventually lead to their weakening.
- __Urinary tract infection__ – Urinary tract infections irritate and inflame the tissues in the bladder and urinary tract, causing urge incontinence. This kind of incontinence is temporary and will go away when the infection clears up.
- __Familial history / genetics:__ it is very common to see weak bladder being passed down from mother to daughter regardless of history, child birth etc…

Causes and risk factors of urinary incontinence

## Mixed Incontinence

This type of urinary incontinence is a combination of two main types: stress and urge incontinence. In [mixed urinary incontinence](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/bladder-problems/what-is-mixed-incontinence) both uncontrolled urine leakage during physical activities—such as sneezing, coughing, or exertion—and a sudden, difficult-to-control urge to urinate occur.

## Functional Incontinence

If a physical or cognitive disability prevents you from getting to the bathroom on time, you may have functional incontinence. This type of urinary incontinence most often affects individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, such as advanced dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or arthritis. Mobility challenges, including the need to use a wheelchair or being bedridden, can also make toilet use difficult.

## Total Incontinence

This type of urinary incontinence may result from:

- congenital bladder abnormalities;
- spinal cord or spinal injuries;
- the presence of a fistula—a small tunnel-like opening that disrupts the proper functioning of the urinary system.

Total incontinence causes continuous and uncontrollable bladder leaks, usually as a result of a birth defect or a spinal cord injury. Speak with your doctor if you are facing total incontinence. 

Mixed Incontinence

This type of adult incontinence usually happens as a result of a blockage or weak bladder muscles that prevent the bladder from fully emptying or from signaling that it is full. Overflow incontinence is the only type of urinary incontinence more common in men than in women, although women can still have it. In women, weak bladder muscles, a blocked urethra, pelvic organ prolapse, scar tissue or kidney stones can cause overflow incontinence.

__*Treatments:*__

- Catheterisation

Catheterisation involves threading a thin, flexible plastic tube through your urethra up into your bladder in order to drain any remaining urine. This serves to alleviate the pressure put on the bladder when it is overly full or fails to empty. Catheterisation can either be intermittent or fixed. It should always be inserted under the guidance of a medical professional.

- Surgery

Surgery can be performed to remove any physical blockage of the bladder that is causing the overflow incontinence.

__Staying dry and comfortable__

Regardless of what type of adult incontinence or bladder leakage you may have, stay dry and confident with incontinence liners, pads and underwear.

__Overflow Incontinence__ is the result of not being able to completely empty the bladder, leading to dribbles of bladder leakage throughout the day. For women with overflow incontinence, the bladder never fully empties, leaving some urine in the bladder. This can increase your likelihood of contracting urinary tract infections.

A big part of providing incontinence care is picking the right incontinence products to use. Different degrees of urinary incontinence require different levels of protection. Find urinary incontinence products that match your loved one’s size, leakage level and protection needs. For light leaks, try liners or pads. For heavier bladder leaks, try underwear.

Having the right protection will help your loved one stay confident and active because they don’t have to constantly worry about embarrassing bladder leaks or urine odours. The right protection can help them feel free from the restrictions of incontinence – and they’ll have you to thank for it!

Find the Right Fit

ADP -Making Sense of Bladder Prolapse

Making Sense of Bladder Prolapse

Dr. Anne Henderson

Dr. Anne Henderson - Discreet

Article reviewed by

ADP - What Is Mixed Incontinence?

What is Mixed Incontinence?

What Is Overactive Bladder? Symptoms, causes, and prevention

__Urinary incontinence in women is characterised by the involuntary loss of urine and there are five main types. Stress incontinence happens during physical activity or coughing; urge incontinence is associated with a strong, sudden need to urinate; overflow incontinence results from a full bladder; mixed incontinence combines stress and urge types; functional incontinence arises from physical or mental impairments, and total incontinence involves constant leakage. In this article, you will learn more about the different types of urinary incontinence.__

Keep a schedule of when incontinence products need to be changed. Use an alert on your phone to notify you when changes are needed. This way, you can avoid doing unnecessary loads of washing. Be sure to schedule additional time for bathing a loved one after a urinary or bowel movement, too.

Timing

Stress incontinence is the result of a weakened pelvic floor – the system of muscles, ligaments, and nerves that supports your bladder, uterus, and anus that helps control the urinary sphincter, which is responsible for closing off the bladder and regulating urine flow. As a result, urine leaks out when pressure – or stress – is exerted on the pelvic floor during everyday activities like sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercise. It can also happen due to being overweight and age. Performing pelvic floor exercises daily can help prevent or reduce bladder leaks. Losing weight can also help if that is a concern for you.

Stress Incontinence

 Advice & Support - AS02 - Managing Urinary Incontinence

Managing Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence cannot always be prevented, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing it. These include some good habits for keeping the bladder healthy. While they may not guarantee that you will never experience from urinary incontinence, there are some steps you can take to reduce and prevent bladder leaks, for example:

- __strengthen the pelvic floor muscles__ – pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and prevent leakage;
- __stay hydrated__ – drinking sufficient amount of water can help to keep the bladder healthy and reduce the risk of infections;
- __avoid bladder irritants__ – certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of urinary incontinence;
- __maintain a healthy weight__ – obesity can put pressure on the bladder and increase the probability of urinary incontinence;
- __consume enough fibre – hard__ hard stool stuck in your rectum can block urine from coming out of the bladder, so remember to eat plenty of fibre every day for good and regular bowel movement.

Incontinence liners, pads, and pants can help you to protect against bladder leaks and live your life to the fullest, without compromise.

Can urinary incontinence be prevented?

Dealing with Urinary Incontinence

What is Stress Incontinence?

OG-What-s-Your-Type-of-Incontinence

Stress incontinence is caused by a weakened pelvic floor – the system of muscles, nerves and ligaments that support the bladder and urethra. A woman’s body goes through many wonderful things throughout her lifetime. However, a lot of it, like pregnancy and childbirth, strains the pelvic floor, leaving it stretched and weakened. Weight gain and the hormonal changes of menopause can also contribute to this type of bladder leakage.

__Treatment:__

- Pelvic floor exercises

Performing kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles so they are able to hold in urine more effectively and prevent bladder leakage in women. Read our article here all about pelvic floor exercises.

- Weight loss

Our body is often affected by life transitions, and menopause is a prime example. Weight gain and changes in body composition are common occurrences during this time. Carrying extra weight can strain the pelvic floor, leading to weaker muscles and an increased risk of stress incontinence. However, making small changes can make a significant difference in managing weight gain. For example, incorporating a daily walk into your morning or evening routine can help to reduce bladder leakage without the need for drastic measures.

- Get regular

Having regular bowel movements eliminates extra and unnecessary pressure on your bladder. To keep your gut moving, make sure that you eat lots of fibre. Try eating prunes as a snack for an overactive bladder treatment that is sweet to eat and delivers an extra boost to get your system moving. This should help reduce the frequency of urine leakages.

- Stop smoking

Smoking often leads to chronic coughing, also known as smokers’ cough. Coughing puts a strain on the pelvic floor and can aggravate your bladder muscles, leading to bladder leakage. Each time you cough, it can trigger little urine leakages. Leading a healthy lifestyle can alleviate symptoms of stress incontinence. If you need support with making changes have a look at the NHS's 'Quit Smoking' website which has useful advice and information on how to download their NHS Quit Smoking app: [Quit smoking - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/)

__Urge Incontinence,__ also known as overactive bladder, is characterised by a strong and sudden urge to urinate that often results in leaking a significant amount of urine. There can often be such urgency of urination that women don’t make it to the toilet in time and experience a gush of urine. People with urge incontinence find themselves running to the loo upwards of eight times a day, and also often wake up in the middle of the night to go.

Urge incontinence is caused by nerve or muscle damage to the bladder and the surrounding tissues. This creates spasms in the bladder wall, inducing a continuous and uncomfortable urge to urinate. Damage to other parts of the nervous system can also play a part, especially when there’s a glitch in the communication between the bladder and the brain signaling when is the right time to go. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and stroke can cause damage that leads to urge incontinence. Some medications can also play a role.

__Treatment:__

- Adopt a bladder-healthy diet

Certain foods can irritate your bladder. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and fizzy drinks.

- Get on a schedule

Train your bladder by making a ‘go schedule’ in which you use the loo on a fixed schedule – say, every hour at first – whether or not you feel the urge to urinate. Once you feel comfortable with your schedule, try increasing the amount of time between each scheduled bathroom visit. Not only will this help retrain your bladder, it can also reduce the urgency you feel when you have to urinate.

- Stay hydrated

Though it may seem counter-intuitive, it is important to drink water if you have urge incontinence. The high acidity of overly-concentrated urine can aggravate your bladder, making your condition worse. Drink plenty of water to keep your urine diluted. You’ll know you’re getting it right when your urine is pale yellow or clear.

- Take medication

If you have tried the above remedies without much success, it may be time to talk to your doctor about medications that can help to ease the symptoms of urge incontinence.

ADP - Just How 'Adult' Is Adult Incontinence -2

Types of Urinary Incontinence

Dr. Jessica Muir - Discreet

How you treat your incontinence depends largely on what type of incontinence you experience. Treatments can range from lifestyle adjustments in what and when you eat and drink, to surgery. In general, urinary incontinence can be managed and possibly even cured, provided that we use an appropriate treatment plan.

## Behavioural and lifestyle changes
First of all, some behavioural and lifestyle changes can help to reduce the symptoms of urinary incontinence:

- __bladder training__ – scheduling regular bathroom breaks and gradually increasing the time between visits to the bathroom;
- dietary changes – Avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can help to reduce symptoms;
- __weight management__ – maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce pressure on the bladder;
- __quit smoking__ – smoking can contribute to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of incontinence when coughing;
- __pelvic floor muscle exercises__ – strengthening the muscles that support the bladder can help to reduce leakage.

## Bladder control training

Another option is bladder control training, which means learning techniques to strengthen the muscles that control the bladder:

- __kegel exercises__ – they help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles;
- __biofeedback__ – using sensors to monitor muscle activity and provide feedback to help with muscle training;
- __electrical stimulation__ – using a device to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles and improve their strength.

## Medical treatments

If behavioural and lifestyle changes and bladder control training are not effective, there are medical treatments for incontinence that may be recommended. These may include:

- __medications__ – certain drugs can help to relax the bladder or reduce urinary urgency;
- __medical devices__ – urethral inserts or pessaries can help to support the bladder and minimize leakage;
- __surgery__ – in some cases, it may be recommended to repair or replace weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles or to address other underlying conditions that contribute to urinary incontinence.

Remedies and treatments for incontinence

Urinary incontinence, also known simply as incontinence, is a condition characterised by involuntary leakage of urine through the urethra, beyond the person's control. It results from a lack of control over the bladder sphincters, which may lead to partial or complete emptying of the bladder. [Urinary incontinence](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/bladder-problems/what-is-incontinence) can be caused by various factors such as pregnancy, menopause, intensive physical activity, or other health issues such as obesity. Although it affects both sexes, it is statistically more common in women. Importantly, this issue is more widespread than many people realise.

Knowing that you’re not alone and that there are ways to both prevent and protect against bladder leaks can be helpful. Remember that an essential first step if you’re experiencing bladder leaks is to speak to a healthcare professional. 

What is urinary incontinence? 

Carers are often the last to be taken care of. Becoming a carer can be a taxing process, that is all too often thrust upon us without much forewarning. The ins and outs of providing incontinence care can be demanding. Be sure to cultivate a support system for yourself as a carer. A friend or peer will be helpful to talk to about the challenges and rewards of the experience, and can provide you with just the boost you need in order to provide the best for your loved one.

Find Support

What adult wants to wear “Nappies?” Nappies are for babies and toddlers who haven’t been toilet-trained. Any adult would feel helpless and embarrassed to think that they’ve regressed to being cared after and changed like a baby. Here’s a better way to talk about urinary incontinence products: call them by a different name. Try “pad” or “brief” – or even “underpants.” A simple change in language can empower your loved one by proving you respect them as an independently functioning adult.

Don’t Say “Nappy”

What Is Mixed Incontinence?

Many people think of incontinence in adults as something that is reserved for nursing homes and the elderly. This is partly why it took me so long to admit to myself that I have adult incontinence. 

Just How 'Adult' Is Adult Incontinence | Always Discreet

## Functional incontinence
Functional incontinence is the result of a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from getting yourself to the toilet in time to empty your bladder. This condition usually involves some physical or environmental barriers. It can be caused by a medical condition like arthritis, which makes it difficult to remove clothes before urinating. Mental deterioration such as dementia could also lead to functional incontinence – the affected person is simply unaware that they need to use the bathroom or is unable to locate it. Finally, one of common causes of this incontinence is some kind of mobility impairment, problems with walking etc.

## Mixed incontinence
Mixed incontinence is any combination of two or more of the above types of incontinence. This is a common type of incontinence, especially among women. Symptoms of mixed incontinence may include urine leakage during physical activities such as coughing or sneezing, as well as sudden and intense urges to urinate that cannot be controlled. Those affected by mixed incontinence might also experience frequency, urgency, and nocturia.

One of the most common causes of mixed urinary incontinence in females is pelvic muscles weakened due to pregnancy or childbirth, for example. Other reasons for this incontinence may include nerve damage, hormonal changes associated with menopause, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or Parkinson's disease. Some medications, such as diuretics, may also contribute to mixed incontinence.

Functional incontinence

This type of urinary incontinence is also known as overactive bladder and is the result of nerve or muscle dysfunction in the bladder tissue and muscle wall. This causes involuntary spasms in the bladder that create a sudden and intense urge to urinate. You may or may not make it to the toilet on time. You may even feel a strong urge to go even when there is no urine in your bladder. It can happen to anyone at any age. See your doctor about managing your urge incontinence. They  may suggest that you adopt a bladder-friendly diet free of spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol that is also low-sugar in order to eliminate foods that can further irritate your bladder. A number of behavioural changes can also help with this type of incontinence.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence & frequent urination in women: causes and treatments

Understanding what kind of incontinence your loved one has will go a long way in providing incontinence care for him or her. Not only will it help you understand the ins and outs of their condition, you will be able to empathise a little more with their experience and be able to advocate for them, too. Here’s some more info on the different types of incontinence.

__Stress incontinence__ is the result of a pelvic floor weakened by things like childbirth or being overweight, and leads to little leaks sneaking out when pressure is placed on the bladder during everyday activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.Stress incontinence is best managed by performing exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor, such as kegel exercises. Schedule time for your loved one to perform these exercises.

__Urge incontinence__, also known as having an overactive bladder or OAB, happens when sudden, frequent urges to urinate come on strongly, even when there is no urine in the bladder.

Your loved one may or may not be able to make it to the toilet on time. OAB happens due to muscle or nerve damage in the bladder tissue as a result of previous pelvic surgery or neurological disease. Urge incontinence is best managed on a day-to-day basis by adopting a bladder-friendly diet. This means avoiding foods that aggravate the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and citrus fruit.

__Overflow incontinence__, which is more common in men than in women, occurs when the bladder doesn’t successfully empty itself all the way due to a blockage or muscle weakness, so it leaks when it is full even though no urge to urinate was felt. Overflow incontinence is best managed by daily catheterisation to relieve pressure in the bladder.

Many women experience a mixture of two different kinds of incontinence. This can also be known as mixed incontinence.

Educate Yourself

There are several types of urinary incontinence, each with its own set of symptoms and causes. Find out more about them!

For carers, urinary incontinence care can be a very sensitive issue. It’s difficult for many older people to handle on their own and frequent leaks can be embarrassing – even humiliating. 

Bladder Leakage: Symptoms, Causes

The symptoms of urinary incontinence range from occasional leaks of urine when coughing or sneezing to an urge to urinate that is so immediate and strong that the affected person is unable to get to a toilet in time. Some common signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence are as follows:

- __unintentional urine leaks__ – as the most obvious symptom, leakage may occur during everyday activities and lead to incontinence when coughing, sneezing, or laughing, or during an intense urge to urinate;
- __frequent urination__ – the need to urinate often is another common symptom of urinary incontinence;
- __difficulty with emptying the bladder__ – some people with urinary incontinence may experience difficulty emptying their bladder completely, which leads to residual urine in the bladder and increased risk of urinary infections;
- __strong urge to urinate__ – this symptom can be triggered by various factors such as running water, cold temperatures, or certain medications;
- __painful urination__ – pain or discomfort during urination can indicate various conditions, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or inflammation of the bladder;
- __nocturia__ – incontinence can often make the affected individual wake up at night to urinate, which is disruptive to sleep and may lead to fatigue or daytime drowsiness;
- __emotional distress__ – this symptom can result in anxiety, depression, or social isolation.

Signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence

Incontinence while Coughing

Increased abdominal pressure for the bladder

Middle aged woman talking to a doctor in ordination

Pressure of urine in overflow incontinence

Dr Anne Henderson image

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