Although urinary incontinence in the elderly is quite common, it can be embarrassing and interfere with many activities For these reasons; urinary incontinence should be addressed with the utmost gentleness and discretion when it comes to your senior parents and loved ones.
The good news is that there is help for seniors suffering from incontinence. It can often be controlled or even cured.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
Incontinence can be caused by a variety of different factors, some causes short term lack of bladder control to long-term loss of control.
Some of the causes include:
- Vaginal or Urinary Tract Infection
- Constipation
- Medications
- Weak Bladder Muscles
- Damage to the nerves that control bladder
- Any disease that can make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time, such as arthritis
Here are some of the types of incontinence:
Functional incontinence
This type happens when someone has normal control of their bladder, they just can get to the bathroom in time. Disorders that make it hard to move can make it difficult to get to the bathroom.
Stress incontinence
This type happens when urine leaks due to pressure such as exercise, coughing or laughing
Urge incontinence
This type happens when someone has a sudden need to go urinate but cannot make it to the restroom. This is common in people with diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Overflow incontinence
This type happens when urine leaks from the bladder because it is full, such as in someone who has trouble emptying their bladder.
Treatment
There are many types of treatments available and sometimes the problem can be cured. It depends mostly on the causes and what the doctor believes is the best course of action. Some natural solutions include.
Kegel exercises that work the muscles used to stop urinating and timed voiding in which one empties their bladder at the same time on a set schedule such as every hour.
In certain situations, the doctor may recommend surgery. Always bring your elderly parent or loved one to the doctor prior to performing, suggesting, or deciding on a treatment.