Incontinence is to have a loss of bowel or bladder control but is not a disease – rather a symptom of some underlying problem. Lots of medical issues can cause incontinence and these can include birth defects, pelvic region injuries, pelvic surgery, neurological diseases, aging issues brought on by degeneration, multiple sclerosis, and certain infections. Pregnancy and childbirth in females can also be a cause.

The problem can occur at any age and in both sexes, although urinary incontinence is more prevalent in females, mainly due to child birth. Sufferers may also be mentally affected as well as physically, and many individuals tend to lock themselves away for fear of being ridiculed. This obviously affects the social and professional life of the individual involved.

Nearly 80% of urinary incontinence sufferers can have their condition cured or vastly improved but a proper diagnosis has to be made initially to determine what type of incontinence is present as there are different types with different treatment options. In the more usual circumstances, incontinence involves combined treatments of medication, pelvic muscle reeducation, behavioral modification and collection devices.

Incontinence

Medication treatment on its own is also quite a common treatment, but this is only prescribed by a doctor once correct diagnosis has occurred. Surgery is also an option for many types of incontinence.