| Basic Information |
|
| Description |
|
Incontinence (involuntary loss of urine from the bladder) that occurs
infrequently (transient) or failure to comprehend the need to urinate
(functional)
|
|
| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
- Forgetting to urinate
- Urinating at inappropriate times or places
- Occasional problems in getting from bed to toilet in time
|
| Causes |
- Dementia
- Depression
- Mobility disorders
|
| Risk Increases With |
- Urinary tract infection
- Diabetes mellitus
- Increasing age
- Estrogen deficiency
- History of many pregnancies
- Spinal cord injury
- General debilitated condition
|
| Preventive Measure |
- Eat a normal, well-balanced diet and exercise regularly to build
and maintain muscle strength
- Learn and practice Kegel exercises before symptoms of stress
incontinence begin Kegel exercises:
The purpose is to recognize, control and develop the muscles of
the pelvic floor. These are the ones used to interrupt urination
in mid-stream. The following exercises strengthen these muscles
so you can control or relax them completely:
To identify which muscles are involved, alternately start and
stop urinating when using the toilet
Practice tightening and releasing these muscles while sitting,
standing, walking, driving, watching TV or listening to music
Tighten the muscles a small amount at a time, "like an elevator
going up to the 10th floor." Then release very slowly, "one
floor at a time"
Tighten the muscles from front to back, including the anus,
as in the previous exercise
Practice exercises every morning, afternoon and evening. Start
with 5 times each, and gradually work up to 20 or 30 each time
- If the underlying cause can be determined and treated, incontinence
problems can be cured or significantly improved
|
| Possible Complications |
- Most likely to continue unless underlying causes can be treated
- Urinary tract infections
- Social isolation due to concern about embarrassment
|
| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
|
| General Measures |
- Following treatment of the underlying cause, it may be necessary
to rely on external devices or super-absorbent pads
- Specially trained nurses or therapists will help a patient learn
how to cope with the problem, such as scheduled voiding, prompting,
and habit training
- In some cases, incontinence will require caregiver assistance
for management
- Absorbent pads or diapers may be worn
- Learn and practice Kegel exercises (see instructions in Preventive
Measures)
- Additional information available from the Help for Incontinent
People, P.O. Box 54, Union, SC 29379, (803) 579-7900 or Simon Foundation
at (800) 23-SIMON
|
| Medication |
|
Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder, but antibiotics
may be prescribed if there is a complicating urinary tract infection
|
|
| Activity |
|
As tolerated by physical condition
|
|
| Diet |
- No diet restrictions
- Start a weight loss program if overweight is a problem
|
|
| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has symptoms of functional incontinence
- Any sign of infection develops, such as fever, pain on urination,
frequent urination or a general ill feeling
|