What is incontinence? Who does it affect? How do you treat it?

“Loss of bladder control,” or urinary incontinence, is the inability to control the bladder, leading to accidental leakage of urine. It’s various causes in men and women can impact daily life. Understanding the basics will help when navigating incontinence causes and treatment for yourself or a loved one.

• What is Urinary Incontinence?
  • Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. 
  • It’s a common condition, but it’s not a normal part of aging. 
  • It can range from occasional leaks to complete inability to control urination. 
    
• Types of Urinary Incontinence:
  • Stress Incontinence: Leakage occurs during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, or exercise. 
  • Urge Incontinence: A strong, sudden urge to urinate that’s difficult to control, leading to leakage. 
  • Overflow Incontinence: Leakage occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to dribbling. 
    
• Causes of Urinary Incontinence:
  • Weakened bladder muscles or pelvic floor muscles 
  • Damage to the pelvic floor 
  • Enlarged prostate 
  • Menopause 
  • Certain medical conditions: (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
  • Medications 
  • Pregnancy and childbirth 
  • Prostate surgery 
  • Constipation 
  • Cognitive impairment 

• Symptoms:
  • Leakage of urine. 
  • Frequent urination. 
  • Sudden, strong urge to urinate. 
  • Inability to hold urine long enough to reach the bathroom. 
    
• Treatment Options:
  • Lifestyle changes: Weight management, bladder training, pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), limiting caffeine and alcohol. 
  • Medications: To relax bladder muscles or strengthen the urethra. 
  • Products and Devices: Incontinence pads, absorbent products. 
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option to repair damaged tissues or improve bladder control. 
    
• When to Seek Medical Advice:
  • If you’re experiencing any symptoms of urinary incontinence, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. 
  • They can help determine the cause of your incontinence and recommend the best treatment options. 

Adults and children of any age can have a condition that causes short-term or long-term loss of bladder control.

Example 1: A child with a cognitive delay may have a need for diapers at age 4, and their insurance may cover the cost of supplies when their doctor orders it medically necessary.

Example 2: A woman that is healing after giving birth may deal with extended incontinence post-birth. Her insurance could cover the pads that get her through her day while staying clean and hygienic.

Example 3: A senior man with a prostate condition needs pads to stay dry, and his doctor wrote a prescription for pads and briefs to be supplied to him on a monthly basis in bulk, covered by his insurance.

US Med Express has product specialists here to help with finding the best products for incontinence with coverage by insurance. If you are ineliigible for products covered by insurance, we have alternative supply sources that offer low rates and easy monthly bulk orders of premium brands for treating incontinence.

We carry products that also come with a 24/7 nurses line that you can call or message with questions.

Visit www.prevail.com/enurse to reach our nurses line for Prevail products