The Incontinence Solution

Chapter One: Defining Incontinence

WHAT IS INCONTINENCE?

Incontinence is the uncontrollable loss of enough urine to cause social or sanitary difficulties. When we study the body and look at how we control urination, we know that an infant does not have the proper connections between its brain and bladder to be able to control the bladder. We also know that as the brain develops, young children can be taught to control when and where they empty their bladders. This learned control is then maintained, usually without much thought, throughout adulthood. To a child or an adult, any loss of bladder control feels like a return to infancy and can be an embarrassment and a source of terrible discomfort.

Incontinence can be a significant problem for young, middle-aged, and older women. Life with incontinence, even mild incontinence, can become very stressful as it threatens self-image, body image, and self-esteem. Concerns about having to deal with incontinence may hinder career opportunities for women in the workforce. The embarrassing loss of self-control makes a woman feel old and helpless. Outings for shopping ... read full excerpt from The Incontinence Solution: Answers for Women of All Ages ebook