Ready, steady, go!
Bladder or bowel problems might not feel like the easiest topic to discuss. But the simplest way to handle a subject that might feel a little taboo is to talk about it. When we have conversations like these we can help reduce stress, and challenge the belief that ‘leaking’ is an inevitable part of ageing that you just have to live with.
This article explains how simple changes to lifestyle can have a huge impact on the symptoms that people living with incontinence experience. Sound like someone you love? Read on…
Who experiences it?
People of any age can have a problem controlling their bladder or bowel.
Over 50% of older adults experience some form of incontinence, with more severe urinary incontinence experienced by 1 in 4. It’s really common. And that’s the tragedy of it. Despite being so common, it’s often a source of major embarrassment. The emotional and social impacts can be devastating, leading to not wanting to go out, battling hygiene problems, getting depressed and a big decline in well-being.
Many don’t want to admit what they’re going through or look for help, because it does carry such stigma. But incontinence isn’t something to be embarrassed about, it’s a conversation to have with your Doctor.
What causes it?
Incontinence can happen for all sorts of reasons. Urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation and constipation can all be common contributors. Some side effects of medicines can also cause problems. So step one is to investigate causes.
Causes can include:
Weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles. (This can be particularly prevalent in women after pregnancy, with pelvic floor issues worsening with age if not addressed.)
Overactive bladder muscles
Damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases – like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease
Diseases such as arthritis that can simply make it hard to get to the bathroom in time
Pelvic organ prolapse, which is when a woman’s pelvic organs (such as the bladder, rectum or uterus) shift out of their normal place into the vagina. When pelvic organs are out of place, the bladder and urethra are not able to work normally, which can cause urine to leak.
Most urinary incontinence in men is related to the prostate gland. Male incontinence may be caused by:
Prostatitis—a painful inflammation of the prostate gland
Injury, or damage to nerves or muscles from surgery
An enlarged prostate gland, which can lead to Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate grows as men age.
Causes of bowel incontinence may include:
Weak bowel muscles
Changes in the nerves controlling the bowel
Diarrhoea.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can differ from person to person. Some people might have the occasional leak, while others can lose control of their bladder or bowels completely.
Symptoms of urinary incontinence
Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising
Leaking urine before getting to the toilet
Passing urine frequently
Urgent need to pass urine
Difficulty starting to pass urine
Wetting the bed when asleep
A feeling that the bladder doesn’t empty completely.
Symptoms of bowel incontinence
Leaking from the bowel
Urgent need to open bowels
Being unable to control wind
Straining or difficulty emptying bowels.
What to do if you have incontinence
Whether the incontinence is treatable, non-treatable, temporary or permanent there are ways to manage having accidents – or to simply manage the fear of having them.
First – talk to a Doctor
Ask about possible side effects or medication, or other causes that might be creating it and possible treatments
Use protection
Pads are an excellent way to be prepared for accidents.
Keep unscented organic wipes or sprays handy
A quick way to clean up and gentle on the skin. A new generation of products are the organic bum sprays – a fabulously eco way to keep things clean and tidy. Simply spray onto toilet paper to create an instant wet wipe for a clean up.
Keep spares
When you go out make sure you take some spare pads and pants with you.
Keep bags handy
Bags for used pads or pants are super useful – or even scented bags if you’re worried about smell.
Apply for a Toilet Card
Cards like the one shown below from Continence NZ are great. A handy card that states clearly that you have a medical condition and need to use a toilet urgently. Showing this card can help you avoid the queue for a public toilet and most places you visit will be happy to help you.
Take care of your skin
Wash regularly and dry carefully with a soft towel to help to keep your skin healthy. Change pads regularly and wipe the area gently front-to-back to remove any residue and to keep the genital area clean. If your skin becomes broken, speak with your doctor or a nurse right away, so they can help you to take the right steps to prevent a skin infection.
DID YOU KNOW: People with urinary incontinence are at an increased risk for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)? It’s because of the close contact that adult briefs and other incontinence products have with their skin. While these products are really great for containing messes and preventing embarrassment associated with accidents, they can also introduce bacteria into the urethra. So always change regularly.
Change pads often to avoid getting sore or smelly
Fresh urine should not smell bad. If it does, this may be a sign of infection. So get a check-up if that’s happening. Good-quality pads help to absorb some smell, but always change wet pads or clothes as soon as possible. Skin needs to be kept clean.
The smell from bowel incontinence is more difficult to hide. Change soiled pads as soon as possible and put them in an airtight container or sealed bag.
TIP: If you’re at home, you could try setting reminders/timers for those who have memory issues to try to use the bathroom, instead of having to use adult incontinence underwear. Though with the excellent range of products [JC1] now on offer this is an excellent solution!
Stay hydrated
Drink normally, unless your GP or nurse has told you otherwise. You should still aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Tea, coffee or other caffeinated drinks can make UTI symptoms worse. Drinking too many fizzy drinks, alcoholic drinks, or drinks with artificial sweeteners in them can also irritate the bladder. Water is cool.
Prevent constipation
Constipation (irregular bowel motions) can put pressure on your bladder or bowel and make incontinence worse. Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods (e.g. fruit, vegetables) (link to nutrition article) and drink plenty of liquid. Keep active and exercise regularly. (link to mobility and exercises articles?)
Dress for success
Try choosing clothing with elasticated waists or fastenings with Velcro instead of zips and buttons, so you aren’t struggling when your need is urgent.
Plan before you travel
If you’re going on a long journey with family or friends and you know you’ll need to use the toilet frequently, let them know beforehand. That way you can identify potential stopping points and feel more in control.
Consider home adaptations
If equipment or home adaptations, like handrails in the bathroom or a commode, might help with your incontinence, talk to your local community health provider. You might be eligible for a needs assessment, so find out what help and support you require at home. Your GP might also be able to refer you for resources.
A new way forward
There are some changes you can make through exercise or lifestyle adjustment, and some you can’t. Having incontinence doesn’t need to stop someone living independently; it doesn’t make them less of a person or less capable. It just means they need to live differently. And that’s part of ageing: making the right adjustments so that you can continue to live where you want, the way you want, and to experience the life you want.
