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"Ageing well is about quality of life. Research holds the
key to unlocking the possibilities of ageing well" |
Urinary Incontinence
- affects close to
1 million Australians
- costs approximately
$1 billion in Australia every year
- is present in 12%
of people over 65 years and close to 30% over 85 years
At least 50% of urinary incontinence cases are treatable.
Social continence (the ability to go out and mix with others) is always
achievable.
There are 4 main types of urinary incontinence:
- 1 - stress: outlet
of control diminished
- 2 - continuous:
a hole in the bladder wall
- 3 - urge: hypersensitive
nerves to the bladder and/or hypersensitive bladder walls
- 4 - overflow: poor
emptying leading to an enlarged bladder which leaks.
Causes are often outside the bladder system, for
example:
- mobility
/ dexterity impairment
- diabetes
- medications
- constipation
- obesity
- brain diseases
Local causes/ factors are;
- childbirth
- prostate
disease
- infection
- fluid overload
Management of urinary incontinence is assisted
by proper diagnosis by a GP or a specialist continence clinic. Treatments
are available for specific conditions.
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing
problems with urinary incontinence, please see your doctor.
Use the side menu for more tips
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