One of the most embarrassing issues that often come hand in hand with getting older is the development of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the bladder to hold urine. The amount of leakage can range from a few drops during a cough, to a full, uncontrollable emptying of the bladder.
Incontinence from Aging
As you age, the muscles surrounding your bladder and the bladder itself weaken. This results in the inability to retain urine long enough to make it to the rest room. In older men, an increase in the size of the prostate can also place added pressure on the bladder, further decreasing its effectiveness in adequately holding urine.
In women, the onset of menopause causes a decrease in estrogen production which can cause a decrease in the strength of tissues in the bladder and lead to incontinence. In addition, many diseases that are found in older adults, such as multiples sclerosis and other neurological issues, can decrease the ability of the nerves to pass on information to the muscles appropriately, leading to unwanted, leaking urine.
Pregnancy and Bladder Leakage
Urinary incontinence isn’t always found just in older people. Many times a woman who is pregnant and in the later stages of gestation may find that the pressure from the growing baby is also placing an unusual amount stress on the bladder. Coughing, laughing, or any other movement that adds to this pressure can cause incontinence.
When noticing a developing case of urinary incontinence, many patients feel ashamed and suffer with embarrassment and isolation. Some patients even risk severe dehydration by limiting liquid intake. All of these situations can be dangerous. Patients have many options to treat or control urinary leakage and a doctor can often recommend several therapies that can assist patients in preventing accidents.
Online Suppliers of Leakage Protection
Finding ways to discreetly conceal this unpleasant issue is not as difficult as it may sound. Several online medical supply retailers offer its products to consumers with discreet shipping right to your door. These products can include adult diapers, super absorbent underwear, sanitary napkins, bed pans, and male drip collectors. Many of these items are so thin that they will not be any more noticeable than a regular pair of underwear.
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with urinary leakage, take a few minutes to research the many available online options for controlling bladder accidents. Always consult with a physician when discovering a new case of bladder leakage as it may be a sign of a more serious issue. Embarrassment and isolation does not have to be the answer; online options for urinary incontinence are available on many site that are just a click away.
Sources:
Bing.com
MayoClinic Health, Urinary Incontinence (Accessed November 20, 2010)
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