Incontinence

If you speak with a patient that is embarrassed to talk about their problem with incontinence, you might mention the bladder control supply industry, such as adult diapers, and bladder pads. This happens to be a multi-billion-dollar industry, as they are far from alone in their problem.  Walk into any drug store and you are likely to find at least one complete aisle devoted to nothing but incontinence supplies. This is not a rare problem. In fact it's very common, especially in women. 

Causes of Incontinence

There are multiple factors that contribute to bladder leakage. 

- Medications- certain medications can contribute to bladder leakage. Some 

  blood pressure medications, diuretics, and muscle relaxers are among 

  the more common medications that can cause an overactive bladder, and 

  bladder leakage. 

- Obesity- when the body is overweight, internal organs may be crushed,

  creating an urgent sensation to urinate.  When standing and applying

  pressure to the abdomen, or a cough, or a sneeze, can put even more 

  pressure on organs and ignite a small leak.  

- Age- unfortunately this cannot be avoided, as we age things in our body just 

  don't work exactly as they used to.  You may find that sneezing, coughing,and 

  laughing may cause leakage.

  You can't stop aging; you need your medications, and certainly never stop    laughing, so you have to figure out ways to best handle bladder leakage.

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How to Handle Bladder Leakage

Light bladder leakage is referred to as LBL, and is very common among women.  In addition to the risk factors that increase, change of your developing LBL, it is still estimated 4 out of 10 females that develop this condition had no previous risk factors. So, what are your options? 

- Overactive bladder control medications are one option;however, you should 

  be aware they do come with side effects.

- Bladder protection pads are a very popular item today. They are small, 

  discreet, and have built in odor control. Many people use these on a regular 

  basis to avoid embarrassing accidents.

-Disposable underwear such as depends are beneficial for moderate bladder    leakage. 

- There is a new item on the market that is similar to a tampon. It stops leaks 

   before they happen, however, it is new so it's best usedwith caution. surgery. 

Bladder leakage is nothing new, however many people think it's a relatively new condition. The fact is, as long as there have been bladders, this problem has existed. The reason it seems new is that it was not an open subject in the past.  Millions of people have this problem, and millions of people have always had this problem. Medications, procedures, and hygiene items are all advertised now aimed at anyone that struggles with LBL. 

It's not only patients that need advice and guidance regarding this subject.  A new study conducted indicates that 3 out of 10 nurses over the age of 45 complained of bladder leakage to some degree. With nurses on their feet for long periods of time, often without adequate break times, it can take a toll on the bladder. Drinking plenty of water and trying to take regular bathroom breaks is the best guideline for hard working nurses, or anyone in a profession that keeps you busy on your feet. 

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With bladder leakage occurring in mostly females, you will see, the ads on TV aimed at the female population. Males can also suffer from this problem; however, it is more easily controlled, with medications to reduce the size of the prostate. 

Women that have given birth are more likely to have weakened muscles and suffer from incontinence, however, there is some evidence that exercises may help prevent bladder leakage after childbirth. To get more information on this technique, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises/art-20045283.

When a patient is suffering from LBL, it may be very embarrassing for them to discuss, and as a general rule, reminding them the statistics of how many women suffer the same thing may help put their mind at ease. It helps to know it's not just them. Many nurses will experience LBL themselves, and most nurses will encounter patients on a regular basis that suffer themselves from LBL. 

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