There are all kinds of incontinence I know there is confusion as to the types; I am just learning myself. So here is an explanation as to the different types, the best way that I can explain it to you.
I have urinary retention. I do not feel the urge to urinate at all. In fact I stay dry until I use a catheter to pee. In some people it is not being able to pee because of a blockage in the urethra, the inability of the urinary sphincter bladder muscle to contract. I am not sure as to the cause of mine. It was not discovered until my kidneys became distressed and it could be caused by anything from mental illness, kidney stones, to any number of neurological disorders.
Sometimes people that have Urinary retention can have overflow incontinence. It is when the bladder is full and the urine pushes past the sphincter and dribbles out. It can be caused by neurological or physical injury to the brain, spine or urinary system.
Stress Incontinence is when a person sneezes, lifts a heavy object or just cracks up and just cannot get to a toilet in time. Often times it is because the muscles and tendons are weak and stretched due to pregnancy and/or childbirth. It can also be caused by a neurological disorder or even surgery.
Urge Incontinence is when a person just cannot get to the toilet in time after the urge to relieve herself is felt. Sometimes women have painful bladders and the urge can be constant, causing the sufferer just to dribble a little at a time. Sometimes a large amount, a full-fledged flood, of urine is lost when women with urge incontinence have the urge to urinate right NOW! It is caused by bladder spasms or strong debilitating contractions or cramping and when it hits the sufferer has little time to reach the toilet. I know when I have a bladder infection sometimes I feel the urge to urinate which is a bit surreal because as I said I am unable to urinate without a catheter.
Functional Incontinence or reflex incontinence is often paired with a cognitive disorder such as autism or a developmental disability or neurological complications from surgery. It is presented by the person not even feeling the urge, so they urinate, without the feeling or urge.
Mixed Incontinence is all of the above. I know there are women out there that are so isolated because they are afraid to leave home due to the fear of having an accident.
Nocturnal Enuresis or bed wetting is suffered by many; many adolescent boys are big customers of overnight products. The causes can be childhood trauma, mental illness, and the inability of the body to produce an anti-diuretic hormone that slows the production of urine at night, just to name a few.
Fecal Incontinence - I have this because my sacral nerves are not effective. As I have said before I am not sure why; it could be due to any number of reasons such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or a vaginal hysterectomy. Mostly my bowel does not move. It is really sluggish so I need stool softeners to help things move along. Most of the time all is well but sometimes my meds are out of whack. Recently I was in a biking accident and broke my hip. Because of my inactivity I was over the top constipated and my usual stool softener did not help at all. I was in pain and I needed a little help from my friends. I put a shout out to a group that I am a member of and they gave me great suggestions to get things moving. Another and more correct idea would have been to contact my doctor. I am sure she would have helped, as well. Other causes of fecal incontinence are caused by Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and cognitive disabilities.
I found a great web site, www.staydrytoday on the other end there is a person that can help your situation and help you find the product you need. What I like most about this website is the person on the other end. Education is important to him and he will spend time trying to match your symptoms to the best product for you.
We are better together!
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