Causes of Urinary Incontinence and Methods for Control

Author: loraleedulany | Posted: 18.02.2012

Urinary incontinence is actually more common than a lot of people might think. However, it normally requires the use of an adult diaper toward advanced age because of cellular degeneration that comes with aging. Having weak pelvic floor muscles is the most common reason for incontinence. Disease and surgery are other reasons.

For women, weak pelvic floor muscles are the primary cause of urinary incontinence. Some females even experience urinary leakage or squirting when they laugh, cough, or sneeze, even as children. This can actually occur in 10% of women under the age of 65; that includes about 25% of women in their reproductive age. For the 25%, they need to always wear protective shields even during the days when they do not menstruate.

Urinary incontinence can also occur among younger men though not as prevalent as with women. However, it does become more common among older men because of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. The causes of prostate cancer are unknown though genetics and diet consisting of fatty foods and excess alcohol are risk factors. The chemicals in these substances are possible factors that make prostate glands mutate into cancer cells.

Practitioners of Chinese medicine theorize that prostate enlargement occurs when seminal fluid is not released from the prostate glands. With reduced sexual activity, the cells supposedly clog up glands, which lead to prostate enlargement, and perhaps cancer, if not treated. Some difficulty in urinating, or in the control of it, is a symptom of prostate gland disorders. Wearing protective pads from Tena for men can alleviate the embarrassment that accompanies incontinence.

Approaching advanced age, men can develop urinary incontinence along with prostate gland problems because of the organ putting pressure on the bladder. Urinary incontinence can continue even after prostate cancer surgery because of weakened pelvic floor muscles. Some point out that tampering with the internal organs with a prostate biopsy can aggravate the condition, which is why the medical community is seeking noninvasive diagnostic methods. In any case, if urinary incontinence involves considerable amount of leakage, wearing absorbent pads or underwear from Tena for men can help patients cope with the condition.

For some women, urinary incontinence can be aggravated following childbirth. The process of labor and childbirth puts significant stress on the pelvic floor until the muscles become weaker. This is also called pelvic prolapse, when the organs that the pelvic floor support is positioned lower in the abdominal cavity, putting pressure on the bladder. Some women may wear Tena protective underwear, which is comfortable and does not leak.

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