Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of control over the bladder or bowels, leading to unintentional passing of urine or feces. It's a common condition that can affect anyone, although it tends to occur more frequently in adult women.
In a healthy bladder, urine slowly accumulates, and when you feel the urge to go, you use the toilet. The bladder muscles contract while the sphincter relaxes, allowing urine to exit the body. When incontinence occurs, the bladder’s normal function is disrupted due to various possible causes, such as issues with the bladder itself, problems with the pelvic floor, or nerve damage that interferes with communication between the bladder and the brain.
There are several types of incontinence, including:
- Stress incontinence: This happens when urine leaks during activities like laughing, running, or sneezing due to pressure on the bladder.
- Urge incontinence: In this form, you experience a sudden and strong urge to urinate, sometimes resulting in leakage.
- Overflow incontinence: Occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, causing frequent small leaks.
- Neurogenic incontinence: This type is linked to nerve damage or issues in the central nervous system that affect bladder control.