Adult Incontinence

The problem of incontinence in adults is more common than you may think. Adult urinary incontinence or AUI is basically the loss of bladder control. The condition affects roughly twice as many women than men and is generally more common in the older generation.

The general cause of AUI is when a weakening of the pelvic muscles occurs or when your muscles become too active. The weakening of the muscles can be due to pregnancy and childbirth or following surgery on the prostate. If your muscles are too active, you may feel the urge to urinate when there is little urine in the bladder. Further causes may be due to the thinning of the urethra during the menopause, being overweight or suffering from an infection of the urinary tract. In addition, if you suffer from Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis or uncontrolled diabetes you may also suffer from the symptoms of AUI.

There are 3 different types of AUI, these being stress, urge and overflow incontinence. Stress incontinence can be caused by laughing, sneezing or through the action of lifting a weight. These actions can put abdominal pressure upon the bladder, which can inturn bring on incontinence. Stress incontinence is more common after childbirth, which has caused weakening of the pelvic muscles.
Urge incontinence is where the sufferer has a strong urge to urinate, which is brought on suddenly and with little warning. This type of AUI is more common amongst the elderly.
Overflow incontinence refers to a dribbling of urine, which may signal the presence of a tumour or an enlarged prostate.

If you feel that you may be suffering from any of the above forms of incontinence, it is important that you pay a visit to your local Doctor. It is likely that your Doctor has seen many cases of adult urinary incontinence and there is nothing to feel embarrassed about.

There are many different forms of treatment that may alleviate or treat the condition. Treatments may include simple exercises which may strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, adjusting your diet to avoid certain drinks such as coffee, soda and chocolate. Caffeine can be a bladder irritant which may worsen the condition. If you are a smoker, you should try to quit. Smoking can irritate the bladder and may cause coughing, which may worsen stress incontinence.

It certain cases it may be necessary for you to undergo surgery, such as removal of the prostate, which may have become enlarged due to the presence of cancer.
There are a variety of products that have been developed to help control the symptoms of AUI. These medical underwear products range from absorbent pads and shields for light bladder leakage to disposable briefs for more heavy protection at night time.

Suffering from AUI can be embarrassing and life changing. Many people suffer in silence, however, this is pointless and unnecessary as there is help available, you just have to ask for it.