Urinary incontinence is not a topic we tend to discuss with others. We may jokingly say to our girlfriends or sisters, something like, “don’t make laugh so much, I’ll pee my pants”. But, I don’t recall ever sitting down with anyone, including my doctor, and having a serious conversation about adult incontinence (AI). I’m a nurse, the rational side of me knows this happens to many men and women, including me, but I have never really had a frank discussion about urinary incontinence with anyone.
Most of us talk openly about our high blood pressure, asthma, gallbladder problems, psoriasis, and arthritis. We love to regale anyone who will listen about every aspect of our labour and delivery so why, as a society, don’t talk more openly about adult incontinence?
Maybe there is a bit of an embarrassment factor? Perhaps AI feels like a private matter? Maybe I feel some latent guilt for not being more vigilant with my postpartum Kegel exercises? I’m not sure the reason, but I do know I am not alone in keeping this problem to myself.
Today that is all changing, I have no logical reason what-so-ever to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Urinary incontinence happens to so many people of all ages and I want to help remove the stigma. So, I am here to tell you I have stress urinary incontinence as well as urinary urgency.
Honestly, I feel good that I got my incontinence issues “out there” for all to see. I hope others will come forward and share their stories too. We don’t need to feel isolated and alone, because we are not. As a group, we need to support each other and remove the perceived blemish that is incontinence.
While knowing that you are not alone and that adult incontinence is a common condition that affects about 1 in 3 women over the age of 18 may be comforting, the first step to living with your overactive bladder is understanding it.
Common Types of Adult Incontinence
On its most basic level, incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine, but there are different types of incontinence that affect different women for different reasons. The most common types are:
Urge Incontinence
- When you have a strong need to urinate but can’t reach the toilet in time — it can happen to anyone at any age.
Stress Incontinence
- When you experience bladder leaks when coughing, sneezing or laughing — it is even more common in younger rather than older women.
Mixed Incontinence
- A combination of both stress and urge incontinence symptoms.
Incontinence can be caused by anything from pregnancy to menopause, strenuous physical activities or even a medical condition. To get a more detailed understanding of your personal incontinence symptoms and what is causing them, schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor.
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Bravo to you and “Always” for tackling a subject the NEEDS to be discussed. With the aging population or “Senior Tsunami” as the media blithely dubs it, anything that effects out bodies is up for serious discussion.
I have used “Always” products for many years and will continue to do so. The fact that the reasons have changed does not mean that I have!!
I agree Pat, adult incontinence is a real issue and needs to be openly discussed!
Monica recently posted…Urinary Incontinence is NOT a Taboo Subject {Part 1 of 3}
So important that people talk about this and don’t limit themselves because UI impacts their self esteem. I think the samples are important too. If someone sees there is a free sample then they are so much more likely to give this a try. (in my opinion samples work.)
paula schuck recently posted…All Inclusive Travel – Seven Reasons It’s So Worth It #Travel
Very true Paula, it’s nice to be able to try the product before committing to purchase.
Monica Parlee recently posted…Preserving Your Herbs
Like so many things, this is a topic that needs to be talked about so we stop finding it taboo. Thank you for bringing it to light.
Merry120 recently posted…Remembering the Meaning of Christmas with World Vision Canada
Thanks for being bold and talking opening about this subject that effects so many! That’s the only way people will find the help they need and products that can work for them.
Stephanie recently posted…Giving Back: Care to Recycle®
I couldn’t agree more Stephanie, so important to remove any stigma associated with UI so those affected can move forward with their lives.
It’s funny because this topic came up during my boot camp tonight. We all agreed that the vigorous exercise was making us all pee ourselves a little. It’s definitely not a taboo subject amongst Moms!!
That’s awesomeLisa! Some form of urinary incontinence happens to many of us, it should be discussed openly like you and your group did!
Monica Parlee recently posted…Preserving Your Herbs
This is awesome that people are talking about this and that the stigma is getting lowered. Cheers to the women who are talking about it!
Randa Derkson recently posted…5 Steps to a Healthy, Germ-Free Household
I agree with you Randa, it’s so important to talk openly and remove the stigma attached to AI
Monica Parlee recently posted…Granola Bars with a Molasses Twist!