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What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Loss of bladder control affects millions of people, young and old alike.

Urinary incontinence is more than an uncomfortable annoyance – it is a medical condition. Without proper care, education, and protection, incontinence is likely to reduce your quality of life.

Whether experiencing minor leaks due to coughs, laughter, or exercise; or having full loss of bladder control due to aging, illness and disease, or traumatic injury having the right protective garment is essential. If you suffer with urinary incontinence issues, you're not alone: millions of Americans share in your experience.

"You don’t have to let urinary incontinence control your life. There are solutions that can help you regain confidence through knowing you'll be protected from leaks and discomfort."

Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence

What causes urinary incontinence (UI)? According to the Urology Care Foundation, a number of factors can increase your risk of suffering from incontinence, including age (as our bladder muscles weaken), weight, smoking, or even drinking too much alcohol or caffeine. Disease, illness, and other health conditions like cancer, kidney stones, diabetes, stroke, or high blood pressure can also be culprits.

Although anyone can experience accidental urine loss, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes it’s most common in women over the age of 50. Pregnancy, childbirth, or c-sections can put you at a higher risk, while those with prostate issues may also have a higher chance of experiencing UI. For some it’s a temporary issue, but for others it’s a problem that persists.

Incontinence Types

Just like there are a number of causes that contribute to the onset of UI, different types of incontinence come with varied symptoms. The Urology Care Foundation notes stress incontinence as the most common kind, brought on by physical activity as simple as walking, running, and lifting and everyday actions that use the pelvic floor muscles, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Also common is overactive bladder, which is often referred to as “urge incontinence." Symptoms include an intense urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty. Overflow refers to experiencing frequent leaks because the bladder doesn’t completely empty, or produces more urine than the bladder can hold. And, still others may suffer from mixed incontinence, which is when you have more than one type of UI.

Because urinary incontinence can be indicative of more serious conditions, you should always consult your doctor.

Solutions for UI

You don’t have to let urinary incontinence be in control. There are solutions that can help you gain confidence, knowing you’ll be protected from leakage and discomfort.

Adult incontinence underwear and briefs are made to be absorbent and quick-drying. In a range of sizes, these products are designed to provide comfort and protection. Examples include:

  • Ultimate-Extra Absorbent Incontinence Underwear

    This incontinence underwear for everyday wear features patented Body-Close Fit™ technology which uses more elastic threads for greater discretion and effective leakage protection. The soft, cloth-like material and leg cuffs ensure a comfortable, body-close fit.

  • Ultimate-Extra Absorbent Incontinence Underwear

    If you're in need of a more absorbent solution solution, this Tena's overnight super absorbent underwear offers lie-down protection for all night comfort. The w-shaped absorbent zone conforms to the curves of the body and channels liquids away from the skin.

  • Tena Plus Absorbent Incontinence Underwear

    The Tena Plus incontinence underwear provides the same effective leakage protection and comfortable wear for those looking for a lighter protection. Also featuring the patented Body-Close Fit™ technology, the underwear is designed for a close fit with soft, cloth-like material.

  • Stretch Ultra Incontinence Brief

    This 100% breathable incontinence brief features ConfioAir™, a fully breathable technology to help maintain skin's natural moisture balance. The brief also features odor control technology to help lock away liquids to reduce unpleasant odors.

These products and others are designed to provide you complete protection and confidence so that you can take back your life.

No one should have to endure the constant anxiety urinary incontinence problems can bring. There are solutions to help you reclaim control, gain the confidence to experience life, regardless of the reason you might be experiencing loss of bladder control.

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