Minimize risk factors
Incontinence can develop due to a variety of factors, ranging from age-related changes to certain medical conditions. However, many causes of incontinence are preventable or at least can be influenced.
A proactive approach that aims to identify and minimize potential triggers can help reduce the risk of developing incontinence. By consciously addressing the potential causes and taking appropriate action, we can have a positive impact on our bladder and pelvic health.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors play a significant role in the development and progression of incontinence. Taking these into account and adapting your own lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of incontinence and support bladder health.
Lack of physical activity
An inactive lifestyle can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which can affect bladder control. Regular exercise and targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor can help to reduce the risk of incontinence.
Unhealthy diet and obesity
An unbalanced diet rich in processed foods, sugar and saturated fats can increase the risk of obesity and associated bladder problems. A diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and yogurt (due to the many probiotics), on the other hand, can support bladder health.
Smoking
Smoking can impair bladder function and increase the risk of bladder infections and other bladder problems. Smoking causes the blood vessels to constrict, which can impair bladder capacity and lead to urge incontinence.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol has a diuretic effect and can lead to frequent urination, which can put excessive strain on the bladder. Alcohol can also relax the bladder muscles and impair bladder control.
Dehydration
Insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder and lead to an increased urge to urinate. It is important to drink enough water to support bladder health and prevent urinary tract infections.
Stress and psychological strain
Chronic stress and mental strain can have a negative impact on bladder function and increase the risk of urge incontinence. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises can help to reduce stress and promote bladder health.
Anatomical, physiological and medical causes
The anatomical and physiological basis plays a decisive role in the development of incontinence and the associated risk factors. The main causes of incontinence often lie in the weakening of the muscles and nerves responsible for controlling the bladder and urinary tract.
Age
The risk of incontinence increases with age due to natural changes in the body, such as a decrease in muscle mass and bladder elasticity.
Pelvic floor musculature
Strong and healthy pelvic floor muscles are crucial for maintaining bladder control. If these muscles are weakened, for example through pregnancy and childbirth, this can lead to incontinence.
Bladder capacity and sensitivity
The bladder must be able to store urine until it is the right time to empty. An overactive bladder or reduced bladder capacity can lead to a frequent urge to urinate and uncontrolled urine leakage.
Nervous system
An intact nervous system is essential for communication between the bladder and the brain. Disorders or damage to the nerves that control bladder function can lead to dysfunction and incontinence.
Anatomical structures
Abnormalities or changes in the anatomical structures of the urinary tract, such as bladder prolapse or urethral strictures, can impair normal bladder function and cause incontinence.
Neurological disorders
Diseases of the nervous system such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or spinal cord injuries can impair nerve function and affect bladder control.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections can irritate the bladder and cause temporary incontinence, especially in older people or those with weakened immune systems.
Pregnancy and childbirth
The strain on the pelvic floor during pregnancy and childbirth can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which increases the risk of incontinence.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes, especially in women during pregnancy, after childbirth and during the menopause, can affect bladder function and increase the risk of incontinence.
Prostate diseases
In men, diseases of the prostate such as prostate enlargement or prostate cancer can impede the flow of urine and lead to urinary incontinence.
Medication
Certain medications, especially those that affect the bladder muscles or increase urine production, can cause or worsen incontinence as a side effect.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes can damage nerve function, including those responsible for bladder control, which can lead to neurogenic bladder dysfunction and incontinence.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese can increase pressure on the bladder and weaken the pelvic floor, which increases the risk of incontinence.
Specialist advice from a doctor
It is important to seek medical help as soon as signs of incontinence appear that interfere with daily life. These include an increased and uncontrolled urge to urinate, urinating at night and the constant need to go to the toilet. Constantly wearing wet clothing can lead to skin irritation. An early medical examination enables appropriate diagnosis and treatment to improve quality of life and prevent possible complications.