Incontinence Risk Factors
If you are experiencing a bladder control problem the first thing you must realize is that it’s not a disease: It is a symptom that something may be wrong. In most cases, there are certain risk factors that work against you and they can trigger the onset of frequent urination, accidents, and leaks. The only way to determine what is causing frequent urination is to consult with your doctor. This happens to people more than you know, and it’s not something that should be ignored.
When you begin to notice that you can’t make it to the bathroom in time, there are a number of incontinence products that can help you to manage accidents from happening. Pull-on underwear for women and for men look, feel, and perform just like regular underwear, only they keep you dry, odor-free and allow your confidence to go about your daily routine. They are discreet and cannot be easily detected under normal clothing. These are not your typical adult diaper; instead, they offer a pleasing, aesthetic look and feel while you are wearing them. An adhesive pad may be better for some as they adhere to your own underwear and are convenient to take with you on trips and during the workday.
For many, there are some risk factors beyond your control that can trigger incontinence and they can range from diabetes, bladder stones, certain medications, to pelvic prolapse in women, interstitial cystitis, pregnancy and childbirth, and hysterectomy. Men will begin noticing urinary dribbling, frequency, or strained urination due to an enlarged prostate. Neurological disorders can also put you at risk for incontinence and can be caused by spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, or Multiple Sclerosis. Other risk factors that you may or may not have control over can include chronic cough, colon and rectal cancer, cancer treatments, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, bladder or urinary infections.
5 Risk Factors that you do have control over can include:
- Losing weight
- Stop smoking
- Limit caffeine consumption
- Limit alcohol and soft drink consumption
- Lack of exercise
While urinary incontinence does not discriminate against age, it does seem to be more prevalent in women than in men. Because of women’s anatomy and childbirth, there are so many different factors that can put you at a higher risk. Also, as women age, the muscles around your bladder and urethra lose some of their strength. This happens to men, as well, but the major risk for male incontinence is due to an enlarged prostate. If you suspect you are at risk for urinary incontinence and you begin noticing any of the signs, make an appointment with your doctor. With treatment and the numerous offerings of incontinence products online, managing incontinence these days can make your life much easier to enjoy.