In a world brimming with misinformation, there are a lot of myths around urinary/bladder incontinence, as incontinence is a subject most people are unwilling to talk about.
Bladder incontinence – the clinical term for bladder leakage or leaking urine – is far more common than you may think. But at least half of the people with urinary incontinence do not consult their doctors about their illness. Without a doctor’s advice and with their limited knowledge and guess work, they arrive at conclusions which are often wrong or buy into myths that are floating around.
If you’ve previously bought into any of the bladder leakage myths mentioned below, we hope this blog can provide you with some clarity.
Myths and Facts About Bladder Leakage
Myth #1:Treatment options for bladder leakage are limited or non-existent
Most people believe there aren’t any treatment options available for bladder leakage or believe that surgery is the one and only true cure. They are very, very wrong. There are numerous urinary incontinence treatments based on the type of incontinence you have, such as behavioral treatments, lifestyle changes, exercises, medications, and new technologies that can be used to manage incontinence.
Myth #2: Bladder incontinence is a normal part of ageing
This might come as a surprise to some. Your chance of developing bladder leakage does increase with age, but it shouldn’t be accepted as a normal part of ageing. There are a variety of health events and conditions that can cause bladder leakage, such as:
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Pregnancy and childbirth
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Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, autism, and ADHD
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Diabetes
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Epilepsy
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Enlarged prostate
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Spinal cord injuries, etc.
So, always take a doctor’s opinion. Due to the range of conditions that can cause bladder leakage, proper diagnosis and treatment with healthy lifestyle changes can greatly reduce bladder leakage symptoms and discomfort most of the time.
Myth #3: Only women experience bladder leakage
While it is true that women experience bladder leakage more than men, it’s not a condition unique only to women. There are a number of factors and conditions that can cause bladder leakage in men, such as:
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Ageing
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Prostate problems
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Neurological disorders
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Diabetes
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Bladder cancer or bladder stones
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Urinary tract infections
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Obesity
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Smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption
Myth #4: Drinking less can help stop leaks
Although it may seem like drinking less water and other liquids will reduce your bladder leakage, drinking less can actually make your bladder problems worse.
Drinking less can cause your urine to become more concentrated, leading to bladder pain, irritation, frequent urge to urinate, and dehydration.
On the other hand, there are certain beverages that can irritate your bladder and worsen bladder leakage, such as coffee, alcohol, and soda, which you should steer clear of.
Myth #5: Bladder leakage is caused by a smaller than normal bladder
The size of the bladder almost has nothing to do with urine leakage but, rather how the nerves and muscles in the bladder manage and release urine that determines everything.
When people say they can’t hold in urine because they have a small bladder, or when they conclude that their bladder must’ve shrunken because they rushed to the restroom urgently, but very little urine came out. But it is related to muscular and nervous problems, and not the size of the bladder.
Myth #6: Bladder leakage/incontinence products are unhygienic
While it may seem like a good assumption that incontinence products such as diapers may cause your skin to be in constant contact with urine, hence they are unhygienic; but the right diaper for incontinence can help you feel fresh.
With over two decades of experience in the diaper manufacturing business, we at Friends strive to provide diapers that can help you manage all your incontinence needs. Friends Adult Diapers:
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(Certain variants) can provide superior absorption for up to 16 hours.
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are made to fit your body perfectly to prevent leaks, spills and uncomfortable bunching.
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have side leak guards to prevent leakage from the sides.
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are free of chlorine, latex, toxins and harmful chemical fragrances.
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are available in several different variants including overnight, pant-style and tape-style diapers and a number of sizes including S, M, L, XL and XXL.
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those who leak only a few drops of urine can use friends adult insert pads.
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put friends underpads on your mattress for night-time incontinence.
With Friends Adult Diapers, Azadi Mubarak!
How can I stop bladder incontinence?
Bladder incontinence can be managed or even stopped through various treatment for bladder incontinence, depending on the underlying cause. Some of the methods that can help regain your bladder control include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, avoiding bladder irritants), medications, and surgery. In some cases where treatments don’t prove effective, you doctor might recommend using catheters or adult diaper for men or adult diapers for women.
Is urine leakage a serious problem?
Urine leakage can be embarrassing and create a lot of discomfort, but it is not always a serious medical condition. However, it can affect a person's quality of life and lead to social isolation, depression, and anxiety. In some cases, it can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
Does bladder incontinence go away?
Bladder incontinence may go away on its own, especially if it is caused by a temporary factor such as medication or infection. However, in many cases, it is a chronic condition that requires treatment and management.
What are the first signs of incontinence?
The first signs of incontinence may include a sudden and urgent need to urinate, difficulty holding urine, urine leakage during physical activity, coughing or sneezing, or a feeling of not fully emptying the bladder after urination.
At what age does bladder leakage start?
Bladder leakage can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults. Women are more likely than men to experience bladder leakage, and it can start as early as the teenage years. However, it is more common after menopause due to changes in the body's hormones and tissues.
