Incontinence
Incontinence refers to any accidental or involuntary loss from the bladder (urinary) or bowel (faecal). Incontinence is very common; in fact around 4.8 million Australians experience incontinence or bladder/bowel control problems for a variety of reasons. Incontinence can be treated and manage and in many cases, cured.
There are several types of urinary incontinence that people experience:
Stress Incontinence
This type of incontinence typically results from coughing, sneezing, jumping, lifting or other activities that raise intra-abdominal pressure. SI is mostly associated with women following childbirth or menopause but is also seen in man after prostate surgery.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence or the accidental loss of urine with a strong and sudden urge to pass urine; is also often experience with need to urinate frequently. Urge incontinence can also be referred to as an overactive bladder or bladder instability. There are many factors that can lead to the development of urge incontinence including lifestyle factors, medications or health conditions.
Incontinence related to chronic retention
If the bladder is unable to completely empty, an overflow leakage of frequent small volumes can occur.
Signs that you might be having difficulty emptying your bladder include:
- Difficulty starting the flow of urine and needing to strain to do so.
- Poor flow stream.
- Feelings of incomplete emptying after urination.
- Needing to urinate frequently, especially at night.
- Passing urine in your sleep.
- Frequent urinary tract infections.
Functional Incontinence
Functional incontinence occurs when a person does not recognise the need to pass urine or where the appropriate is to do so. This results in them not reaching the toilet in time or passing urine in inappropriate places.
Contributing factors include:
- Dementia.
- Poor eyesight.
- Poor mobility.
- Poor dexterity.
- An unwillingness to pass urine in the appropriate time or place.
- Environmental factors such as poor lighting, poor signage, low chairs which are difficult to get out of, and toilets that are difficult to access.
- An individual may not be able to physically get to the toilet if they have mobility or dexterity deficits.
If you are struggling with bladder or bowel problems, looking for help, have NDIS funding or need a continence assessment, AABBS can help. Contact us to make an appointment today.