Incontinence is a lack of bladder or bowel control. It’s a common problem that can make it hard to enjoy your normal daily routines. There are different types of incontinence and a broad spectrum of severity.

Incontinence can affect people of all ages but is more common in older men and women. Far too many believe that incontinence is just another part of growing older. In reality, there’s no need to live with these conditions when there are treatments that can help.

The many different types of urinary incontinence can all be treated.

Stress incontinence

This involves leaking urine when pressure is placed on your bladder. It can happen when you sneeze, laugh, cough, or even during exercise.

Overflow incontinence

This happens when you aren’t able to fully empty your bladder when you use the restroom. It’s characterized by frequent or nearly constant dribbling of urine.

Urge incontinence

This involves a sudden, intense need to urinate that leads to involuntary leaking of urine. You might also need to urinate more frequently than normal or wake to urinate several times a night.

Functional incontinence

This type or incontinence stems from a separate mental or physical condition that prevents you from reaching the restroom in time.

Determining which type of urinary incontinence you have is the first step in creating a customized treatment plan.

Occasional loss of bladder or bowel control is usually nothing to worry about, especially if there’s a clear cause for it. Food poisoning or no access to a bathroom on a road trip are examples.

But as soon as incontinence becomes a frequent event or begins to get in the way of your normal routine, you should seek answers. Many types of incontinence can be treated with relatively simple measures.

In some cases, incontinence is a symptom of a serious medical condition. Early detection is the key to finding the right treatment. Older men and women should also be aware of the risk of falling if you have to rush to make it to the restroom in time.

If you’ve noticed changes in your bladder or bowel control, schedule a diagnostic exam at Spinal Diagnostics today. Online scheduling allows you to book your visit from home any time of day or night, or you’re always welcome to call or stop by the office to check availability.