Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) and fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control) are worrisome and embarrassing problems that are most common to aging women but can occur in men, women and children of any age. Incontinence can cause physical, psychological and social problems, but most types of incontinence, and the problems they cause, can be treated.
Urine Leakage
Different types of urinary incontinence result in varying amounts of leakage. Stress incontinence is a leakage of small amounts of urine caused by coughing, sneezing, exercising or other physical movement. Overflow incontinence due to a full bladder also causes a release of small amounts of urine. Urge incontinence is preceded by a sudden need to urinate for no apparent reason and the loss of larger amounts of urine. Urge incontinence can occur unexpectedly during sleep. Some people experience stress and urge incontinence at the same time. An overactive bladder causes an urge to urinate immediately, frequent urination, sudden leakage and the need to get up frequently during the night to urinate.
Stool Leakage
Fecal incontinence results in involuntary and unexpected leakage of gas and stool from the rectum. Constipation or diarrhea, damage to muscles or nerves in the anal sphincter during hemorrhoid surgery or childbirth, damage to the rectum from surgery, radiation or inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor dysfunction caused by past childbirth, are the most common causes. With minor leakage, the problem may simply be soiled undergarments but in more serious cases, it can be difficult or impossible to avoid an "accident." Medical, surgical and therapeutic treatments are available and should begin as early as possible to avoid further problems.
Skin Reactions
Both urinary and fecal incontinence can cause skin sores, itching, burning and rashes from constant exposure to moisture or stool. Minor skin irritation can be treated at home with ointments and powders, but persistent rashes and skin ulcers are likely to require professional medical attention from a primary care physician or gastroenterologist.
Infection
Care must be taken to make sure that skin rashes, ulcers and any broken skin that result from incontinence do not become infected. The risk of developing urinary tract infections increases as a result of incontinence, due to repeated exposure to bacteria in urine and feces, especially escherichia coli (E. coli) from the gastrointestinal tract.
Lifestyle Changes
Incontinence can certainly have an impact on a person's personal and professional life, especially if the incontinence is unpredictable. If incontinence goes untreated, any type of family or social get-together may become uncomfortable. At work, you may end up spending more time away from your desk than usual and be prepared to reschedule meetings. It may become necessary to map out toilets in advance whenever you are headed to an unfamiliar location. It is easy to see why experts at Mayo Clinic say anxiety, depression and anger are normal responses to any form of incontinence.
