Millions of people both men and women suffer from urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control. It is the proverbial elephant in the room. Loss of Bladder control affects more women than men. It is a debilitating condition that can leave you embarrassed and ashamed and lower your self-esteem. Most people don’t want to talk about it so they suffer silently although solutions are available.

What causes Loss of Bladder Control?

It is important to understand what causes urinary incontinence before you proceed to get it treated. Loss of bladder control can be temporary or persistent. Let us explore the reasons for both.

Temporary Loss of Bladder Control

Some food items, beverages and even medication may act as diuretics and increase the urine output.

They could be caffeine, alcohol, soda, chocolate, chilli peppers, spicy food, sweet or acidic food items like citrus fruits, high doses of vitamin C, heart and BP medications, sedatives and muscle relaxants.

Other reasons that can cause temporary urinary continence include

Urinary Tract Infection- An infection in your bladder can cause sudden urges to urinate and lead to urinary incontinence.

Constipation – The formation of hard stool in your rectum can put pressure on the bladder nerves and increase the frequency of urination.

Persistent Loss of Bladder Control

Loss of bladder control can also be caused by physical problems or changes caused by –

Pregnancy –The hormonal changes in the woman’s body and the growing weight of the foetus can cause stress incontinence which creates an urge to urinate.

Childbirth – A normal delivery can weaken the muscles needed for bladder control. It can damage the pelvic floor and can cause dislodgement in the position of the urethra leading to urinary incontinence.

Menopause -After the onset of menopause, women produce lower quantities of estrogen that keeps the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy. Deterioration of these tissues can increase incontinence.

Old age – With old age, the bladder muscle can weaken, reducing the capacity to retain urine. Involuntary bladder contractions can increase with age and cause loss of bladder control.

Enlarged prostate – In older men, the enlargement of the prostate gland causes a condition called prostatic hyperplasia. This can trigger urinary incontinence.

Prostate cancer – If prostate cancer is left untreated, it can cause stress incontinence or urge incontinence. It can also be a side effect during the treatment period.

Tumours/Stones – If a tumour develops in the urinary tract can obstruct the flow of urine causing loss of bladder control. Urinary stones in the bladder can also cause leakage of urine.

Neurological issues –  Some diseases which affect the nervous system like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, an injury to the spine or a brain tumour can affect the nerve signals that control the bladder and lead to urinary incontinence.

Most of these can be treated without surgery by one of these methods –

  • Loss of weight
  • Exercise and physiotherapy
  • Reduction in consumption of alcohol and caffeine
  • Stimulation of the bladder nerves
  • Kegel exercises to tighten pelvic floor muscles
  • Setting up a bathroom timetable
  • Insertion of a bladder control device in the vagina to reposition the urethra

In case none of these work, surgery can be considered. While you resolve the issue through any of these treatments, you can use Lifree adult diapers to have a comfortable and dry experience. Lifree comes in various sizes for adults. It is made of superior absorbent material and gives you peace of mind. It helps you redeem your self-respect and you can live your life with your head held high.