Q: I think I have incontinence. Where do I go from here?
A: Don’t let embarrassment, fear or wrong information about incontinence keep you from getting assistance. We at Option One Healthcare understand how unpleasant and distressing this condition can be, and believe us you’re not alone. Nearly 15 million people have urinary incontinence, but the good news is there are ways to control your symptoms and in certain instances cure your condition. Begin by talking with your doctor, who can offer treatment options based on the type and severity of your incontinence. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist (urogynecologist or a urologist), which are doctors who specialize in treating incontinence.
Q: Are there different types of urinary incontinence? If so, what’s the difference between them?
A: Urinary Incontinence is the unwanted loss of urine. If you suddenly lose urine at the wrong time and place, you may have "Urge" Incontinence. If urine leaks when you exercise, cough, sneeze, laugh or do other movements that press on your bladder, you may have "Stress Incontinence".
Q: Why do I have incontinence, what causes it?
A: There are many different causes of incontinence. We commonly refer to Urge Incontinence as an “overactive bladder,” which occurs when your bladder muscle spasms or contracts. What causes the spasms? In most women, there’s no known cause. Occasionally, spasms happen because the bladder nerves are damaged by stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, a brain tumor or aneurysm and spinal cord injuries. Other spasms can be caused by eating foods or drinking beverages that contain chemicals that irritate the bladder, an infection, lack of estrogen in the genital tissues or bladder, kidney stones, diabetes mellitus, chronic constipation, or drinking too much liquid or not enough.
Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic muscles and poor ligament support of the bladder and urethra, or a defect in the tube connecting the bladder to the urethra. Some experts believe incontinence can be caused by extreme stress on the pelvic muscles during childbirth. Multiple pregnancies, long pushing times and large babies, as well as activities such as chronic lifting of heavy items, chronic coughing and some sports activities, may increase your risk of incontinence.
Q: I have heard constipation causes incontinence? Is this true?
A: Urge incontinence improves when we treat chronic constipation. I recommend gentle, natural dietary changes to treat constipation, including increasing daily fiber to 20-35 through foods and supplements. (A half-cup of All Bran cereal has almost 10 grams of fiber. One cup Raisin Bran has about 8 grams of fiber.)
Q: What are my options for treatment of incontinence?
A: Changing your diet and doing special pelvic exercises, known as Kegel exercises, can improve urinary incontinence symptoms so well that only 20 percent of patients need more treatment. If you need additional treatment, there are medications, painless electrical stimulation and options for surgery. Check with your specialist and always do your own research in whats best for you.
Q: Can men have incontinence?
A: Yes, millions of men suffer from incontinence each year. Incontinence can result from treatment of prostate cancer, either surgically or with radiation. The good news is our surgical techniques are better than ever and are helping men regain their bladder control.
Remember, Option One Healthcare has a quality selection of incontinence products designed to assist in the day to day living for people who have incontinence. Please visit our incontinence catalog for products, information, and delivery options available. If you have questions, please visit the contact us section and we will get back with you.
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