Many people of all ages struggle with varying degrees of urinary incontinence. This disorder is defined simply as having less bladder control than average. Often, incontinence is progressive. So, what might start as mild urinary incontinence can escalate to a total loss of control. However, by catching incontinence early, determining its cause, and pursuing possible treatments or remedies, you can avoid embarrassment and other related problems. Since urinary incontinence can happen to anyone at any time, it's important to know the early warning signs. That way, if you spot them, you can take fast action.
Urinary Leaks
For many sufferers, the first signs of urinary incontinence are small leaks of the bladder. Most of the time, these leaks occur when individuals are putting pressure or strain on the bladder. Simple actions like laughing too hard, sneezing, or exercising may cause a sudden leak.
If you notice that you experience these types of leaks, especially if they are gradually becoming more severe or more frequent, you may want to consider wearing a pad to prevent stains. However, that is only a bandage over an underlying problem. You should speak with a doctor to determine the cause behind your incontinence, especially if it has come on suddenly, and to talk about possible treatment options.
Accidents
For most adults, accidentally wetting oneself is incredibly embarrassing. Take comfort in knowing that total loss of bladder control can have many possible causes. It may just be that you waited too long to get to a bathroom. Or, you might have impairments or disabilities that make it more difficult to get to the bathroom quickly enough. In some cases, this could also mean that your incontinence has progressed.
In any event, a healthcare professional can help you to determine the source of your incontinence and possible solutions for eliminating or reducing urinary accidents in the future.
Extreme Urges
A person with a normally functioning bladder will get the urge to go long before it becomes an emergency. For people with developing or progressed incontinence issues, however, the urge may be strong and come out of nowhere. If you find that you feel an increasing and immediate urge to go, you should speak with your doctor about the possibility of an incontinence diagnosis.
Bladder control issues are not fun to talk about. However, they are a real problem that affects real people. If you're one of them, don't be ashamed to get the help you need. It might greatly improve your quality of life.
Share
