As we get older, dealing with bladder incontinence is likely to happen more frequently than we would like. Bladder control issues do, in fact, cause anxiety and panic in the elderly as it would for anyone of any age. Feeling the need to constantly urinate or potentially have a lack of control over leakage is something many experience but is often not spoken openly about.
This is an uncomfortable experience for the elderly and can be caused by a number of issues ranging from more serious to day-to-day activities. Exercising is integral for the elderly to maintain good health and strength but can be steered away from because of the bladder discomfort it can bring. Talking about these issues can not only relieve stress but provide solutions.
Let’s discuss what these factors are and how to recognize them. Then we can talk about the best solutions and preventative measures that work for each kind of issue.
- Disorders Developed with Age
One of the most common developed disorders is arthritis. It also can cause what is known as functional incontinence. While there is nothing actually triggering your bladder the issue comes from not being able to move fast enough towards the bathroom when needed. Loss of control is not immediate rather than how arthritis can prevent quick movement.
Arthritis is not the only developed disorder that comes with age. Any disorder or injury developed with age can result in functional incontinence or bladder control issues.
- Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
Having weak pelvic floor muscles is something that can be commonly associated with women as they get older. This is especially true after giving birth and after menopause. Men however can also experience the stress that can be put on the bladder through things like coughing too hard or sneezing. Exercise or moving heavy objects is also a factor that can cause leakage.
Usually, this points to having weak pelvic floor muscles. Naturally they contract to hold urine in under stressful situations. But if they are weak and too relaxed this can cause leakage. Our muscles lose strength as we get older and this is why it is a double-edged sword with exercise.
- Various Diseases
One of the more uncomfortable and difficult feelings of bladder incontinence if the feeling of needing to urinate frequently even if you just went. The inability to hold it in can cause leakage and can be attributed to different diseases. Some of these include diabetes, Alzheimer’s. Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis, among others.
We can classify this type of incontinence is urge incontinence. While it is not necessarily a disease a stroke can also be a prior factor in this issue. Mainly because these diseases and strokes cause nerve damage. The result is having an overactive bladder or the possibility of overflow incontinence.
- Overactive Bladder
Let’s talk a little more about overactive bladder. This is the feeling that you are constantly full and an elderly person may have difficulty fully emptying the contents of their bladder. This is overflow.
This actually is more commonly seen among men who have prostate cancer. Having an enlarged prostate will block the urethra which makes it difficult to go to the bathroom. Diabetes can create a similar situation but not through an enlarged prostate.
Preventative Measures for Bladder Incontinence
Dealing with bladder incontinence is something that may be treated as a part of life but it doesn’t have to be. It’s uncomfortable and can create a lot of anxiety. By taking a look at different preventative measures we can ease these unpleasant feelings. Here are some solutions.
Women’s Underwear
Women’s adult diapers & pads are certainly a great option for women who may be dealing with weak pelvic floor muscles are a number of other issues. With secure padding that’s comfortable and technology that helps block odor, you can feel more confident that if leakage does happen no one will be able to tell.
Healthy Habits
Quitting smoking is one factor that you can control that can ease stress incontinence. Since smoking leads to coughing eliminating this can be a solution. The same can be said for drinking. Alcohol is a muscle relaxant that can lead to bladder control loss. Other healthy habits like exercising and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles are all preventative measures.
Medications and Procedures
There are a number of prescribed medications that a doctor can issue to help relax your bladder. They come in form of liquid gels, pills, and even patches. Depending on the type of incontinence you have will depend on the treatment. For instance, males who deal with enlarged prostates will take a different medication than women with weak pelvic floor muscles.
There is also a number of devices that may be used in specific situations. A catheter is often used in cases of more severe overflow incontinence to help empty the bladder. A pessary is used for women who deal with stress incontinence. This acts similar to a tampon that can help absorb leakage.
You Are Not Alone
Dealing with bladder incontinence can feel like a very isolating experience. It can cause anxiety that makes the elderly and other individuals not want to experience daily normalities because of worrying about leakage. But knowing that it is common and why it is happening gives us the ability to make decisions to treat it.
Whether you deal with stress incontinence or overflow bladder incontinence the results are still uncomfortable and stressful. But when you work with preventative measures like women’s underwear or a pessary, the issue is more manageable. When you have to resort to options beyond lifestyle changes your doctor is going to be the one to make more choices on your behalf.
Of course, this is something you have a say in as there are many methods available to those dealing with bladder control loss. Understanding that you are not alone in this and talking about bladder incontinence will only help the situation more. Acceptance and knowledge is key in this situation!
