Incontinence, or Bladder Weakness, is a surprisingly common problem – affecting 1 in 5 people. However it is not something you or someone you care for needs to just accept as ‘part of life’ and it is important for you to talk to a healthcare professional about the symptoms and different forms of treatment.
There are different types of incontinence, including:
STRESS INCONTINENCE
This is usually a small leak experienced during physical activity. For example: coughing, sneezing, laughing or physical exertion. It is often caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.
URGE INCONTINENCE
This is a sudden strong urge to go to the toilet that is sometimes accompanied with leaking before reaching the bathroom.
Other symptoms include the frequent need for toilet breaks, needing to go more than twice a night, or even bed wetting.
OVERFLOW
This is often a small leak caused by an over full bladder that doesn’t empty properly. Symptoms
include dribbling, a poor stream, frequency and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.