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Incontinence, the inability to properly control the elimination of urine or feces, is not a disease. It is a symptom that can be a result of a number of things.

There are several types of urinary incontinence:

-Stress incontinence is a result of stretched pelvic floor muscles.

-Urge incontinence is a result of involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles.

-Overflow- The involuntary release of urine when the bladder becomes overly full due to a blockage of some type. This type is more common in men than in women.

-Total-The complete inability to control urine output.

-Functional

-Anatomical incontinence is due to structural problems which may be congenital (present since birth).

There are many causes of both urinary and bowel incontinence.

Causes of Urinary Incontinence

-Certain foods, drinks, and medications

-Alcohol- Alcohol is a diuretic, causing increased urine output. It caused the bladder to fill quickly, resulting in an urgent, sometimes uncontrollable urge. Alcohol can also impair the ability to recognize the need to go.

-Over-hydration

-Dehydration - If someone becomes dehydrated (not enough fluid intake) urine can become concentrated. The concentrated salts can irritate the bladder.

-Caffeine

-Bladder irritation- Some fluids can irritate the bladder:

-Carbonated drinks

-Tea or coffee (with or without caffeine

-Citrus fruits and juices

-Artificial sweeteners

-Urinary tract infections (UTI)

-Constipation

-Pregnancy and childbirth

-Normal changes that can occur with aging

-Hysterectomy

-Painful bladder syndrome

-Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)

-Bladder cancer or stones

-Neurological disorders

-Obstruction

-Increase d weight gain, obesity

-Certain diseases

-Diabetes

-Alzheimer's

- Multiple Sclerosis

Causes of Bowel Incontinence:

-Damage or injury to anal sphincter muscles or nerves surrounding these muscles

-Anal surgery

-Certain medications

-antibiotics

-neuron tin

-Improper diet

-Radiation treatment to the lower pelvic region

-Chemotherapy

-Stroke

-Con ditions associated with chronic diarrhea or constipation

-Whole body (systemic) disease's

-diabetes

-Spinal cord damage

Incontinence is embarrassing and definitely an inconvenience but in many cases it can be controlled or even cured. Finding the underlying cause is the first step to proper and effective treatment. In some cases it is as simple as certain lifestyle changes, in others more aggressive medical treatment is necessary.

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