Incontinence

Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of control over bladder and bowel functions, leading to the unintentional release of urine or feces. It is considered a symptom rather than a disease in itself and can result from various underlying conditions. From a medical perspective, urinary incontinence is the most common type, which includes stress incontinence (leakage caused by pressure or stress on the bladder), urge incontinence (a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage), overflow incontinence (bladder overfilling without a strong urge), and functional incontinence (caused by physical or cognitive impairments that prevent timely access to a toilet).

Factors contributing to incontinence can be diverse, ranging from temporary conditions like urinary tract infections or constipation to more chronic issues such as neurological disorders, diabetes, prostate problems in men, or hormonal changes and pelvic floor muscle weakening in women. Evaluating and diagnosing the type and cause often involve patient history, a physical exam, and potentially diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, bladder diary, and urodynamic testing. Treatment mainly depends on the underlying cause and may include behavioral techniques, pelvic floor muscle exercises, medications, medical devices, or surgery. In all cases, it is a manageable condition, and healthcare professionals work towards improving the quality of life for affected individuals.