Stress incontinence is one of the most common forms of incontinence. While it affects more women than men it is important to know that both sexes can be affected by this type of incontinence. If you are the caregiver for an elderly loved one you need to be aware of this type of incontinence, what causes it, and how it can be treated. It is also important to understand that stress incontinence (or any other kind of incontinence), is not a normal part of aging. The reality is that stress incontinence is often brought on by conditions that are associated with aging. Best of all, knowing that stress incontinence can be successfully managed and treated makes it easier to handle, both as a caregiver and as a sufferer. Here is what you should know about stress incontinence.

Know what stress incontinence really is-Stress incontinence is the involuntary release of urine when the patient sneezes, laughs, coughs or engages in other physical activity. This can happen on an occasional basis or every time the patient is active. This is the most common kind of incontinence in women of all ages.

Causes of stress incontinence-The condition caused by the muscles on the pelvic floor become weak due to a number of different reasons. When these muscles are weakened this means that any pressure can cause urine to release before the patient is able to be on the toilet. It is important to know that this can happen even when the bladder does not feel full.

Risk factors for stress incontinence-There are a number of factors that can contribute to an elderly patient having this problem. Many women have this type of incontinence because of the stress pregnancy and childbirth had on the pelvic floor muscles. It is important to understand that nerve or tissue damage can occur, and the incontinence may not show up until years later. A common cause of this condition in men is from prostate surgery. When the prostate gland is removed it also weakens the support that is needed for the pelvic floor muscles and urethra.

Contributing factors to stress incontinence-Many other factors can contribute to any patient having this condition. However, the elderly appear to be at an especially high risk level. These contributing factors include but are not limited to: having a urinary tract infection, having an illness that causes excessive coughing, diabetes, and obesity.

It is crucial that if anyone (regardless of age), is having symptoms of this condition that they seek out a medical evaluation. There are several treatment options that can help to reduce or even eliminate this problem. Both the senior and caregiver should aggressively seek a medical evaluation in order to secure a diagnosis and proper treatment.

The Caregiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their care giving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers – from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer – as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids.

Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets, nutrition support and also on Incontinence products. Visit the Care Giver Partnership for more info on Male incontinence products

It is important to understand that incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ for more details.

Author Bio: Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets, nutrition support and also on Incontinence products. Visit the Care Giver Partnership for more info on Male incontinence products

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Incontinence products, Adult incontinence products, Male incontinence products, Incontinence supplie