Loss of bladder control, also called urinary incontinence, affects more than 33 million Americans according to the National Association for Continence. The good news is that incontinence is not a normal part of aging and is treatable.

The bladder has two jobs: to store urine that comes from the kidneys and to push the urine out of the bladder by contracting or tightening. A set of muscles called the pelvic floor muscles surrounds and supports the urethra while the brain signals the bladder to contract and relax to manage the flow or urine. Incontinence occurs when the muscles weaken or aren’t strong enough to support these movements. Different circumstances can cause incontinence, including:

• Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause
• An enlarged prostate
• Constipation
• Medications
• Infections
• Nerve damage
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Obesity

There are five main types of incontinence. Let’s look at specific reasons why people suffer from incontinence. 

Stress incontinence occurs when a small amount of urine leaks out during physical movement like coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising and puts “stress” on the bladder. This is the most common type of incontinence in women. It is usually caused by weakening pelvic floor muscles or sphincters due to childbirth. 

Sometimes called overactive bladder, urge incontinence is when leakage happens because the need to urinate comes on suddenly and unexpectedly before a person can reach the bathroom. Urge incontinence is commonly caused by the bladder contracting involuntarily. Urge incontinence may cause the bladder to empty during sleep, when you touch or hear running water, or when you drink a small amount of water.

Overflow incontinence is the unexpected leakage of small amounts of urine because of an overfilled bladder. It may feel like you’re unable to empty your bladder completely. This type often occurs in men due to something blocking the flow of urine like an enlarged prostate.

Functional incontinence is when a person has normal urine control but can’t always reach the toilet in time due to physical or mental challenges. This type is common in people with Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, or other mobility problems. 

Mixed incontinence is a combination of two or more types of incontinence, usually stress and urge. Incontinence can also be transient or temporary. This leakage is due to a temporary situation like infection or medication.

Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels can help strengthen the muscles that control the bladder. Exercises like squats or bridges are simple and free to do. Most anyone can do the moves, regardless of age or bladder condition. For a more active exercise, try jumping rope.

In addition to bladder training techniques, making changes to your lifestyle habits can be helpful.

Lose weight. Remember, extra weight puts added pressure on your bladder and your pelvic floor muscles. Exercising and eating a healthy diet that isn’t too high in calories can help you shed unwanted pounds.

Quit smoking and avoid alcohol. Smoking is associated with more frequent and severe episodes of incontinence. You may want to try avoiding and/or limiting alcohol. These beverages may contribute to leakage.

Eat a healthy diet and limit caffeine. Be sure to eat plenty of fiber-rich foods and drink enough fluids to avoid constipation. Like alcohol, caffeine may contribute to bladder leakage.

Your doctor may recommend medications. Some medicines can improve bladder control, depending on the reason for incontinence. On the other hand, some medicines that people take for other conditions cause urine leakage. So changing medicines might be a quick and easy fix. Make sure to talk with your doctor if you think that may be an issue for you.

If all else fails, your doctor may suggest further treatments to improve the bladder’s function. Devices, nerve stimulations, injections, biofeedback, catheterization, and surgery are some options your healthcare team may consider.

Several types of specialists treat people who are suffering from incontinence and may be able to help. A urologist specializes in the urinary tract. Gynecologists and obstetricians specialize in the female reproductive tract and pregnancy. A urogynecologist specializes in urinary and related pelvic issues in women.

Before visiting any new healthcare provider, gather your recent medical history and a list of your medications for your first visit.

Skin care is very important. Skin exposed to urine is uncomfortable, at the very least. But it can also cause skin irritation, rashes, and sores. Be sure to clean the area around the urethra to keep the skin there healthy. A moisturizer like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide can protect the skin, too. For people who need a little more protection, full disposable pads shaped like underwear have waterproof backing that can keep clothes from getting wet. 

While incontinence can cause inconvenience and embarrassment, take hope in knowing there are treatments and help available to improve this condition.

Sources:

• Urinary Incontinence
• National Association for Continence
• The Urinary Tract & How It Works
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office on Women’s Health
• Urinary incontinence diagnosis
• Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults