What is incontinence?
Incontinence is the term used to describe any accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or bowel motion, faeces or wind from the bowel (faecal or bowel incontinence).
Incontinence is a widespread condition that ranges in severity from 'just a small leak' to complete loss of bladder or bowel control. In fact, over 4.8 million Australians have bladder or bowel control problems for a variety of reasons. Incontinence can be treated and managed. In many cases it can also be cured.
Two types of incontinence
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence (or poor bladder control) is a common condition that is commonly associated with numerous conditions. Poor bladder control can range from the occasional leak when you laugh, cough or exercise to the complete inability to control your bladder, which may cause you to completely wet yourself. Other symptoms you may experience include the constant need to urgently or frequently visit the toilet, associated with 'accidents'.
There are different types of incontinence with a number of possible causes however stress incontinence, urge incontinence, functional incontinence and incontinence associated with chronic retention are the most common.
Risk factors for urinary incontinence include:
- pregnancy (both pre- and post-natal women)
- younger women who have had children menopause
- obesity
- urinary tract infections
- constipation
- specific types of surgery such as prostatectomy (removal of all or part of the prostate) and hysterectomy (removal of all or part of the uterus and/or ovaries)
- reduced mobility preventing you from getting to or using the toilet
- neurological and musculoskeletal conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis
- health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart conditions, respiratory conditions, and prostate problems, and
- various medications.
Faecal incontinence
People with faecal incontinence (or poor bowel control) have difficulty controlling their bowels. This may mean you pass faeces or stools at the wrong time or in the wrong place. You may also find that you pass wind when you don't mean to or experience staining of your underwear. Although poor bowel control is more likely to affect you as you age it also affects younger people, with about one in 20 people experiencing some form of faecal incontinence. Many people with poor bowel control also have poor bladder control and these people will experience what is known as double incontinence. Faecal incontinence can have a number of possible causes. The following are the most common:
- weak back passage muscles due to pregnancy/birth and getting older
- constipation
- severe diarrhoea
- radiation therapy
- some types of surgery
Risk factors for faecal incontinence
A substantial risk factor for faecal incontinence is urinary incontinence. Other risk factors are similar to those of urinary incontinence, but also include: chronic diarrhoea and dementia
Other related health conditions that can affect incontinence include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Prevention
There are a number of lifestyle aspects that can be altered to improve or in some cases, cure incontinence. These changes include:
- Drinking well
- Eating a healthy diet
- Leading a positive lifestyle
- Getting active
- Practicing good toilet habits
For further details on the above prevention methods, click here.
Residential Aged Care Statistics
- Around 77% of nursing home residents in Australia are affected by incontinence (Steel & Fonda 1995).
- 40-60% of people in nursing homes will wet the bed tonight (Steel & Fonda 1995).
More information
For more information about Incontinence, visit the Continence Foundation of Australia website or call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 330 066.
Information sourced: Continence Foundation of Australia