What is incontinence?

Incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine or feces, is a condition that affects many people. It can have a major impact on your quality of life, but it is important to know that there are many treatment options and resources available to help you manage it. But what exactly is it? How can you develop incontinence? What types are there? What resources are there? And at what age does it most commonly occur?

How can you possibly suffer from incontinence?

Incontinence can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common causes are:

1. Pregnancy and childbirth : Women may experience stress incontinence after pregnancy or childbirth due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
2. Aging : As people age, the muscles surrounding the bladder and bowels lose strength, which can lead to incontinence.
3. Neurological conditions : Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, strokes, and spinal cord injuries can damage the nerves that control the bladder and bowels.
4. Chronic diseases : Diabetes and obesity can increase the risk of incontinence due to nerve damage and pressure on the bladder.

Types of incontinence

There are different types of incontinence, each with their own characteristics and causes:

1. Stress incontinence : Involuntary loss of urine when pressure is exerted on the bladder, such as when sneezing, laughing or lifting.
2. Urge incontinence : A sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by involuntary loss of urine.
3. Mixed incontinence : A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
4. Overflow incontinence : Inability to completely empty the bladder, resulting in urine leakage in dribs and drabs.
5. Functional incontinence : Urinary incontinence due to physical or mental limitations that make it difficult to reach the toilet in time.
6. Fecal incontinence : Involuntary loss of stool.

Incontinence aids

There are various aids available to help you manage incontinence. In addition to medical treatments and exercises, there are products such as panty liners, collection pants and incontinence briefs. Our incontinence pants are designed to be discreet and comfortable for everyday use. These products not only help to collect urine, but also provide peace of mind and confidence. They are designed to look and feel just as nice and comfortable as “normal” lingerie and underwear.

Age and incontinence

Incontinence is common in older adults, but can affect people of all ages. In older adults, the incidence of incontinence is lower due to aging and medical conditions. However, young people can also suffer from incontinence, for example due to pregnancy, childbirth, or neurological conditions.

It is important to know that incontinence can be relatively normal in young people, especially after pregnancy or childbirth. It is not something to be ashamed of and there are many treatment options available such as:

• Pelvic floor muscle exercises ( Kegel exercises ): Regularly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles strengthens bladder control.
• Biofeedback : Sensor technology helps improve pelvic floor muscle use.
• Electrostimulation : Mild electrical current stimulates and strengthens the pelvic floor muscles.
• Bladder training : Following a schedule will help extend the time between toilet visits.
• Medication : Certain medications can reduce the frequency of incontinence episodes.
• Pessary : ​​An internal device supports the bladder and reduces leakage.
• Lifestyle changes : Adjustments such as reducing caffeine intake and losing weight can help manage incontinence.
• Surgery : In severe cases, surgery may repair the pelvic floor structure or support the urethra.

Incontinence is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It can have many causes and there are several forms, each with their own characteristics. Fortunately, there are several aids and treatments available to help people manage incontinence.