WHAT IS INCONTINENCE?
Incontinence is the loss of bladder and/or bowel control. It is NOT an illness or disease. A wide variety of conditions and disorders can cause incontinence. These can or may include: birth defects, pelvic injuries or surgeries, damages to the spinal cord, neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis, infections, and degenerative changes that are a result of aging.  It can be a temporary issue or a permanent one depending on its cause.

HOW DOES THE URINARY SYSTEM WORK?
The urinary system comprises two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder and a urethra.  It is the kidneys’ job to remove waste from our blood and to continuously produce urine.  The tube-like ureters moves the urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it flows out of the body via the tube-like urethra.  The sphincter muscle although not part of the urinary system can play a major role in incontinence as it controls the activity of the urethra.  Normally the bladder stores the urine and then releases it at the appropriate time, however, if any part of the urinary system malfunctions incontinence can occur.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF BLADDER WEAKNESS?
The most common causes are:

• Relaxation of the pelvic muscles, often seen in women who have had several children.
• Reduced muscle control that can occur with menopause.
• Infections or inflammation of the bladder or the urethra.
• Nervous system disorders.
• Aggravation to the bladder caused by alcohol, caffeine or medications.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF INCONTINENCE?
Yes, and in some cases more than one type of incontinence may be identified for an individual.

• Stress Incontinence – Is associated with intermittent leakage of small amounts of urine which often happens when one exercises, coughs, sneezes or laughs.  This commonly affects women and may occur after multiple child births or menopause. Other causes may include damage to the pelvic region or the sphincter muscle.
• Urge Incontinence – Is the sudden, urgent need to urinate and the inability to get to a toilet in time. This occurs when the nerve passages between the bladder and brain are damaged.  Stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and MS can all cause urge incontinence.  It can also be caused by something as simple as a urinary tract infection.
• Overflow Incontinence – This occurs when the quantity of urine created/produced exceeds the limitations of the bladder for storage.  The bladder’s failure to contract as it should or being unable to release urine due to an obstruction of the urethra results in the overflow condition.  It can be caused by diabetes, pelvic damage or surgery, spinal cord injuries, MS and/or other diseases.  Constipation, medications, and enlarged prostate gland can also cause this form of incontinence.
• Fecal Incontinence – Inability to control bowel movements or gas; includes liquid and/or solid stool. It can vary from being partial, involving only a small amount of liquid waste to being unable to control entire solid bowel movements.  This form of incontinence can be caused by neurological diseases, musculoskeletal disorders or injuries to the pelvic area.
• Functional Incontinence – Physical or cognitive limitations that prevent an individual from reaching a toilet.  This can be a result of environmental barriers , such as being too far away from a bathroom, or psychiatric problems.

SHOULD I TALK TO MY DOCTOR?
Yes...It is estimated that 80% of those affected by urinary incontinence can be cured or have their condition improved.  There are 3 major categories of treatment to address your condition: behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical.  An examination can help find the cause and determine ways to correct or manage the condition.  The earlier you seek medical help for you or your loved one, the sooner change can begin.

ARE THERE THINGS I CAN DO TO HELP MYSELF?
Most assuredly there are changes that we can make to our lifestyles that can enhance our quality of life.  Two key factors are diet and exercise.  As always it is best to discuss changes to your current diet and exercise level with your physician. 

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
The internet today provides unlimited sources of information on incontinence. Two highly respected organizations for this type of information are:

• National Association for Continence (NAFC) www.nafc.org
• The Simon Foundation for Continence www.simonfoundation.org