Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem for many people. The severity of the condition can range from occasional urine leakage. like when you cough or sneeze, to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you are unable to get to a toilet in time.
So, what causes urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence isn't a disease, it's a symptom. It can be caused by everyday habits, underlying medical conditions or physical problems. If you experience urinary incontinence, a thorough evaluation by your doctor can help determine what's causing it.
Certain drinks, foods and medications may act as diuretics — stimulating your bladder and increasing your volume of urine. Some of these items include: alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, spicy or sugary foods, heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants.
Urinary incontinence may also be caused by an easily treatable medical condition, like a urinary tract infection or constipation. Urinary tract infections can irritate your bladder, causing you to have strong urges to urinate, and sometimes incontinence. Constipation can also contribute to urinary incontinence. The rectum is located near the bladder and shares many of the same nerves. Hard, compacted stool in your rectum causes these nerves to be overactive and increase urinary frequency.
Urinary incontinence can also be a persistent condition caused by underlying physical problems or changes, including: pregnancy, childbirth, aging, menopause, hysterectomy, enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, obstruction, or neurological disorders.
Urinary incontinence isn't always preventable. However, to help decrease your risk there are a few things that you may consider:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Practice pelvic floor exercises
- Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods
- Eat more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence
- Don't smoke, or seek help to quit smoking
If you are currently dealing with incontinence, we understand that it can be a tremendous burden on your lifestyle. Finding good, quality, and effective products to keep you dry and comfortable are vital to maintaining your quality of life. Rely Medical Supply is your go-to resource for affordable incontinence supplies. Rely Medical Supply has a full range of incontinence products to meet your personal needs. Whether you need bladder control pads, adult diapers, protective underwear (pullups), underpads (chux), gloves, wipes, odor control products, or skin care products, Rely Medical Supply has quality products from most major brands.
If you have questions or want to learn more about product options available, speak with a Rely Medical Supply Product Expert. Our Product Experts are available by calling toll-free at 1-888-529-2308, M-F, 8AM-5PM Central. Our friendly and caring Product Experts will be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you have about our incontinence products, services, or take your order right over the phone.