You Were Just Diagnosed With Incontinence, Now What?

August 20, 2014

So you just returned from your doctor with the news that you were diagnosed with incontinence. You likely have a lot of questions about why you’re experiencing unintentional urine leakage as you digest your situation. First of all, it’s important to note that incontinence itself isn’t so much a condition as it is a sign of a greater condition. Noting that, it’s likely that you’ll grow out of your incontinence situation either with time, or by taking measures into your own hands.

Here’s a look at some FAQs that people recently diagnosed with incontinence often have, as well as some ways to manage unintentional leakage.

Incontinence FAQs

Tens of millions of people have incontinence, and while it’s more common among older and aging adults, anybody of any age and gender can experience it. Here’s some more info:

• Incontinence is most commonly linked to a greater condition. For instance, women may experience it following child birth and men may experience it following prostate surgery. Furthermore, stress, dietary and lifestyle habits can also contribute to its onset.
• Incontinence varies in severity from minor to heavy leakage. Symptoms can also come and go.
• Incontinence can almost always be treated successfully. For instance, patients can adjust their eating and lifestyle habits to minimize stress and the intake of drinks with caffeine and alcohol, which often trigger symptoms. Patients can also exercise to build muscles in the pelvic and bladder area to better control the sudden urge to urinate. Prescription medicine that work to relax the bladder are also an option and some patients may even seek surgical remedies. The best course of action to correcting your incontinence depends on your individual situation and should be discussed with your doctor.

Managing Symptoms

After many patients are diagnosed with incontinence, they become embarrassed and troubled about the situation – even if they know that their case is correctable, as there’s still the obstacle of managing symptoms in the meantime. Thankfully, there are a variety of discrete products available on the market today to help patients manage symptoms and thereby live a normal life as they work to kick incontinence for good.

• Incontinence briefs: Worn in place of regular underwear, incontinence briefs soak up any excess urine that has leaked. They’re discreet – much more so than an adult diaper – and can be washed and reused.
• Incontinence pads: Designed for patients with minor to moderate incontinence, these pads fit right inside a regular pair of underwear and soak up excess urine. Following use, all you have to do is throw them away. Such pads are discreet and convenient.

So if you’ve been diagnosed with incontinence, don’t panic. It’s a common condition that is almost always correctable. Consult with your doctor for more information on how to remedy and manage your situation.