Dangers of self-diagnosing

Treatments for continence problems are most successful when diagnosed accurately by a health professional as opposed to self diagnosing.

Despite popular belief, incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging, nor is it discriminatory. Therefore, the older population are not the only ones affected.

Continence problems are symptoms of bladder or bowel dysfunction.

 They are your body telling you that something is not quite right. Causes can relate to everyday habits, medical conditions, physical issues and even your genes. For example, stress incontinence is related to Pelvic floor muscle weakness.

Changes or damage to the nerves controlling the bladder, bowel or pelvic floor can also result in loss of control.

The different types of urinary incontinence people may experience may include stress, urge, overflow and functional. Treatment is most successful if continence problems are diagnosed accurately.

Potential treatments can include reviewing fluid intake, ensuring your diet is high in fibre, pelvic floor exercises, a bladder retraining program, toileting program, medications and continence aids.

That is why it is important to seek professional advice regarding continence care. If you are an individual with a physical disability, a dysmorphic body disorder or eating disorder, then finding the right continence aid to fit and provide the level of security needed could prove to be a challenge.