Urinary Incontinence FAQs & Resources
What is urinary incontinence?
Bladder control relies on a combination of the muscles of the urethra and the bladder, and the nervous system. Normally, a human bladder stores urine until you’re ready to void.
When you have urinary incontinence, also known as bladder incontinence, the bladder can’t store urine as easily. This can result in light or severe urine leakage.
What might cause urinary incontinence?
There are many factors that can play a part in causing urinary incontinence, including:
- Childbirth or pregnancy
- Menopause
- Pelvic floor weakness
- Prostate issues
- Conditions that affect the nerves, such as Multiple Sclerosis or Spina Bifida
- Side effects from certain medications or other treatments
- UTIs
- Mobility challenges
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bladder leakage, talk with your healthcare provider about what may be causing your urinary incontinence and how it can be managed or treated.
What are the common types of urinary incontinence?
The types of urinary incontinence may include:
- Urge incontinence
- Stress incontinence
- Overflow incontinence
- Post-micturition dribble
- Functional incontinence
- Mixed urinary incontinence
Urge Incontinence
This type of incontinence occurs when the urge to urinate leads to sudden, involuntary urine leakage.
Stress Incontinence
Activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, heavy lifting, or sudden changes in position may strain the bladder. This may lead to mild to severe urine leakage.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence is when the individual has the urge to urinate but can only release urine in small amounts at a time.
Post-Micturition Dribble
Post-micturition dribble (PMD) is urine leakage after normal voiding. This may occur due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, but other factors may play a part.
Functional Incontinence
Functional urinary incontinence occurs when the individual is aware they need to urinate but is physically or mentally unable to reach the bathroom in time. This may occur when an individual has vision or mobility challenges.
Mixed Urinary Incontinence
This is a mix of different types of incontinence.
How is urinary incontinence treated?
Treatment or bladder management options for urinary incontinence depend on the individual, the type of incontinence, and their medical history.
Your healthcare provider is the right resource for information on treatment options for urinary incontinence.
Can lifestyle changes help?
Depending on the cause, your healthcare provider may go over options such as hydration habits, keeping a bladder diary, pelvic floor exercises, and reviewing your diet and lifestyle.
Talk to your urologist, urogynecologist, nurse practitioner, or another qualified healthcare provider about your incontinence symptoms to find out what may work best for you.
Does 180 Medical provide incontinence supplies?
180 Medical provides incontinence supplies to eligible customers with Florida or Georgia Medicaid waiver coverage who are also receiving intermittent catheters.
Depending on your benefits, prescription, and individual needs, products available may include:
- Underpads to protect mattresses, chairs, and other surfaces
- Protective disposable underwear or briefs
- Highly absorbent undergarments
- Bladder control pads and liners
If you’re insured through a Florida or Georgia Medicaid waiver program, you already receive intermittent catheters from 180 Medical, and you’re looking for an incontinence product supplier, contact us to let us know your product needs.
Additional Urinary Incontinence Resources
The National Association for Continence (NAFC) provides support and educational resources. These resources are available to individuals with incontinence, healthcare professionals, and caregivers. Find tools, support options, ways to connect with others, and more.
You can download the helpful resources below, courtesy of The National Association for Continence. These diaries can help you keep track of your bathroom habits, including incontinence or nighttime bedwetting. They’re a great way to monitor if anything might trigger your incontinence.
You can also share this information with your doctor so they can better understand your condition and personalize a treatment plan that works best for you.
insert_drive_fileBladder Diary
insert_drive_fileBowel Diary
insert_drive_fileBedwetting Diary
insert_drive_fileNocturia Symptom Tracker
Disclaimer: Information provided on 180medical.com is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.