Most elderly experience some form of bladder inconsistency at one point or another. Many deal with it frequently. Bladder inconsistency is a subject that is not discussed despite being a common problem among adults. Whether the cause is arthritis, other age-related developments, or a degenerative disease, managing bladder inconsistency is possible.
There are different methods for the severity of bladder incontinence, and finding one that works for you is key! Let’s talk about what we can do.
Four Common Causes of Bladder Inconsistency
Understanding what is happening is a crucial part of treating bladder inconsistency. Here are four quick common reasons it could be happening.
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Arthritis and Developed Disorders
Age-developed disorders such as arthritis can cause functional incontinence, where someone may have trouble getting to the bathroom quickly enough. This is actually not a bladder problem but causes incontinence.
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Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
In women, weak pelvic floor muscles commonly cause leakage when sneezing, exercising, and doing daily activities. This is commonly due to giving birth and losing strength in those muscles.
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Alzheimer’s of Other Diseases
Alzheimer’s and other diseases are commonly classified as urge incontinence. Nerve damage results in an overactive bladder that makes you feel like you have to go a lot. Diabetes, Parkinson’s, a stroke, and a few more are common with this type of incontinence.
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Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladders result in the elderly having issues trying to empty them. This results in overflow and leakage. Diabetes can also be a factor in this type of incontinence. Doctors usually suggest insertable devices in this case.
What Are The Options?
Here are the most common options that address all levels of incontinence.
- Women particularly struggle with this as their pelvic floor muscles weaken after birth. Premium absorbent underwear for women is a great way to tackle the problem. Protective underwear isn’t just for women, either. Men can find several boxer briefs and other solutions that are great for light to heavy incontinence.
- Approaching your lifestyle with health in mind is another chance to combat bladder inconsistency. Interestingly enough, diet and exercise can have a majorly positive impact even for the elderly. There are direct and indirect correlations, such as strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. This helps with bladder control. Indirectly, changing your diet can help improve mild cases.
- Medications and technology have developed over the years to help individuals with bladder incontinence. There are many common medications available now, such as tolterodine (Detrol), darifenacin (Enablex), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), fesoterodine (Toviaz), solifenacin (Vesicare) and trospium chloride. Since elderly folks may be taking medication already, it is critical to consult a doctor for ultimate safety.
- Medication isn’t the only solution. Technology has developed a number of creams and devices that are useful for older adults. Some may make less sense than others. A catheter is a device that is inserted to help empty the bladder naturally and stop leakage. Options similar to tampons are another popular way to have absorbency.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Regardless of the reason why incontinence has developed, not everyone will like or feel comfortable with each option listed above. It can take both some trial and error and an adjustment period. Some of the recommendations are less invasive than others. But sometimes, heavy incontinence flows require some extra assistance.
The important thing here is to talk with a doctor and your loved ones to find a solution that doesn’t impair your daily life. The idea is to feel comfortable and confident that bladder incontinence will not stop you no matter where you go.