Incontinence – Causes, Types & Treatments

Learn about incontinence: causes, stress and urge types, and treatment options from pelvic floor training to modern non-invasive therapies.

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Wissenswertes über "Incontinence"

Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine or stool, which cannot be consciously controlled.

The most common type is urinary incontinence, affecting both men and women, with prevalence increasing significantly with age. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of various underlying conditions, often leading to reduced quality of life.

There are several types of incontinence: stress incontinence (e.g., leakage during coughing or exercise), urge incontinence with sudden strong urges, mixed incontinence, and less common forms such as reflex or overflow incontinence. Risk factors include pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, surgery, aging, and neurological disorders.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and ranges from pelvic floor exercises and physiotherapy to medications and minimally invasive treatments such as electromagnetic stimulation (e.g., Emsella®) or surgical interventions. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, adequate hydration, and bladder training play a key supportive role.

Key Facts about Incontinence