Causes of Incontinence
Incontinence is a term that describes any accident or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder or faeces from the bowel. It is not just a problem for older people and it should not be considered normal.
Incontinence is not just a problem for the elderly and should not be considered an inevitable consequence of the ageing process. It should not be considered normal and it can often be a sign of other health problems.
Sometimes incontinence can be cured and other times it can be managed with the right advice or treatment.
Incontinence is a common condition that ranges in severity from just a small leak to complete loss of bladder or bowel control.
Bladder weakness can be the result of, or related to:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Surgery
- Menopause
- Prostate problems
- Obesity
- Constipation
- It can also be a side effect of some medications
If you feel that you have any of these types of incontinence, please contact your health professional or Continence NZ for advice.