Urinary and bowel incontinence and weakness is rarely life threatening. However, it will have a hugely negative impact on the sufferers quality of life; often leading to depression, anxiety and social isolation. It can also significantly affect the lives of those around them.

There are many treatments available for incontinence, however only 60% of suffers seek treatment, and 50% of those continue to suffer from incontinence as a result of not wanting to return to their GP for further support when initial treatments fail. There are many conservative and non-surgical medical options, to help treat the symptoms and the cause of the incontinence, before looking to a surgical solution. There are also a number of things that can be done to make it easier to live with incontinence, whilst the sufferer undergo treatment.



In this section we have brought together guidance and advice from many clinical studies and medical resources. To help you determine which form of incontinence you, or your dependent, is suffering from, and how to best treat the symptoms and the original cause.

Incontinence can be a precursor or symptom of a more dangerous condition. Therefore, please speak to your GP or other healthcare professional if you are suffering.

Contents

  1. Types of Urinary Incontinence
  2. Types of Bowel Incontinence
  3. Double Incontinence (Bladder and Bowel)
  4. Causes and Diagnosis of Incontinence
  5. Neurological Disorders and Incontinence
  6. Incontinence Treatment
  7. Living With Incontinence
  8. Incontinence Prevention

Sources

Al-Shaikh, G. Syed, S. Osman, S. Bogis, A. Al-Badr, A. (2018). International Journal of Women's Health. Pessary use in stress urinary incontinence: a review of advantages, complications, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. [online] 10(1), p195-201. [viewed 23/04/18]. Available from: https://www.dovepress.com/pessary-use-in-stress-urinary-incontinence-a-review-of-advantages-comp-peer-reviewed-article-IJWH

Castro, R. A. Arruda, R. M. Zanetti, M. R. D. Santos, P. D. Sartori, P. G. F. Girão, M. J. B. C. (2008). Clinics. Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Electrical Stimulation, Vaginal Cones, and No Active Treatment in the Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence. [online] 63(4), p465-472. [viewed 13/04/18]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664121/