The bladder is an important organ in our body, a kind of storage tank for urine, which waits for you to go to the toilet. Normally the bladder gives a signal to your brain when it is about half filled, about 800 ml, so that you can go to the toilet on time to prevent accidents. If you ignore these signals, the bladder can eventually decide to empty themselves. But sometimes this system does not work well, and we call that incontinence.
What is total incontinence?
Total incontinence is the most serious form, where you no longer have any control over your bladder. No signals are sent to the brain and/or the bladder muscle is unable to hold urine. As soon as urine enters the bladder, it is immediately emptied again, which leads to loss of urine.
Causes of total incontinence
Total incontinence can have various causes, including:
-
Neurological disorders: Damage to the nerves that regulate bladder and intestinal function, such as with paraplegia, multiple sclerosis (MS) or stroke, can lead to total incontinence.
-
Anatomical abnormalities: Structural problems in the bladder, urethra, anus or intestines can also cause total incontinence.
-
Trauma: Injury on the pelvic area or surgical procedures in the abdominal area can disrupt the normal function of the bladder and intestinal muscles.
-
Medical disorders: Some conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's can also cause total incontinence as a result of their effect on nerves or muscles.
Symptoms of total incontinence
The symptoms of total incontinence can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may be:
- Constant leakage of urine and/or stool.
- Inability to resist the urge to pee or resist.
- Lack of control over the bladder and/or intestinal function, even during rest or sleep.
Treatment options for total incontinence
Although total incontinence is a challenging condition to treat, there are various treatment options available, including:
-
Medication: Some medicines can be prescribed to regulate bladder and intestinal function and reduce the symptoms of incontinence.
-
Pelvic floor therapy: Specific exercises aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help improve control of the bladder and intestines.
-
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct anatomical problems that lead to incontinence, such as placing an artificial sphincter muscle or repairing damaged nerves.
-
Incontinence products: The use of incontinence products such as diapers, pads or catheters can help to control leakage and make the person's daily life more comfortable.
The importance of support and understanding
Total incontinence can have a devastating impact on the life of an individual, both physically and emotionally. It is essential that people who suffer from total incontinence get the necessary support and understanding of their care providers, family and friends. By conducting an open dialogue and exploring effective treatment options, people with total incontinence can achieve a better quality of life.
Total incontinence is a complex condition that requires a thorough evaluation and personalized approach. If you or a loved one struggle with total incontinence, consult a qualified healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.
