Resources
What is Incontinence?
Incontinence is the partial or complete loss of bladder (and less frequently bowel) control. Incontinence is not itself a disease, but a condition that has become a major health issue. It is a symptom of other medical problems, some incontinence is treatable; some may be temporary.
Types of Incontinence
Urinary incontinence – is a problem controlling urination. The circumstances and type of problem affecting urination vary with the cause.
Stress incontinence – involves the involuntary release of urine, especially when coughing, sneezing, or laughing. It is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women. It usually results in a small to moderate amount of urine leaked.
Urge incontinence – A sudden uncontrollable need to urinate frequently and urgently. It can result in a moderate to large amount of urine leaked, although it often occurs when the bladder contains only a small amount of urine.
Mixed incontinence – More common in women. This is when an individual is suffers from a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
To view information on common Home Care Products for individuals with Incontinence click here.
For more information on incontinence and related conditions, contact any of the following organizations:
National Association for Continence
P.O. Box 1019
Charleston, SC 29402-1019
Phone: 1.843.377.0900
Website: http://www.nafc.org/
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3580
Phone: 1-800-891-5390
Web Address: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov