Have you been experiencing more urine leaks than before? Are you afraid that your bladder weakness is getting worse?
Learn about the stages of bladder weakness to know how it happens and what you can do to alleviate the symptoms.
What Happens When Bladder Weakness Gets Worse?
When bladder weakness deteriorates, the tissues in the bladder become less elastic, which reduces its capability to hold as much urine as it did before. The pelvic floor muscles and bladder wall may also weaken, giving you a difficult time emptying your bladder completely.
Bladder weakness getting worse is a common part of aging. As you get older, the condition of your bladder changes and the effects can be life altering.
Below we’ve listed the three stages of bladder weakness to help you better understand your situation.
Bladder Weakness Can Be Life Altering
If you leak daily, extreme bladder weakness can force you to make drastic changes to your lifestyle.
You may stop exercising for fear of accidents and attending events due to worries about odour. You may also decide to limit your trips due to your need for access to the bathroom regularly.
However, do not lose hope. In many cases, bladder weakness is treatable, and you may not even need to undergo an invasive surgery for it. One of the most important steps to go through right now is to familiarise yourself with the three stages of bladder weakness. By doing so, you will be able to identify the severity of your condition and better explain it to your doctor.
- Light Leakage
This stage can be divided into two categories: those who leak a few drops irregularly and regularly. Adults who experience irregular drops do not necessarily need a specific product. For them, it is normal to feel very slight discomfort from a few drops, and it is enough to use a standard sanitary pad.
Conversely, adults who have regular drops are likely to experience significant discomfort. They may also need to use several pads a day to deal with their bladder weakness. Some may also begin to worry about the smell and the need to go to the bathroom increases. However, it is rare for them to have leaks at night.
Aside from using pads, limiting coffee and alcohol intake and doing Kegel exercises can help you keep bladder weakness under control.
- Moderate to Significant Loss
Adults with this condition experience occasional or regular accidents. The amount of urine is moderate to significant and can be triggered by doing some physical activities like sports and intense workouts.
In medium regular bladder weakness level, you can have significant repetitive leaks during the day and night. It is difficult for you to hold the urge to urinate for a few minutes more when your bladder is full. And aside from medium-regular UI, you may also have faecal incontinence at the same time.
While incontinence products can help manage leaks, you may need to make some significant lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, alcohol or caffeine altogether. You may also be required to take medications to relax your bladder muscles and perform pelvic floor exercises to help control urine flow properly.
For daytime leaks you will need a discreet protection to actively participate in your normal life. For bladder weakness in women there are certain product solutions, as well as for men. Additionally, there are night-time products to keep you dry.
- Heavy Incontinence and Total Loss of Bladder Control
Adults with heavy incontinence are likely to experience frequent accidents with a significant amount of urine losses. They can also move by themselves and get to the bathroom to pass urine, but sometimes they are too late. At night time, it is difficult for them to control their bladder. Hence, incontinence pads are needed to manage inevitable leaks.
On the other hand, bed-ridden adults have a total and continuous loss of bladder control. They also have to be looked after by a loved one or a nurse. Coping strategies usually involve using a catheter to empty the bladder regularly as well as incontinence products and bed pads.
How to Deal with a Deterioration of Bladder Weakness
Whatever stage you are in, don’t feel ashamed. It is normal and many people experience it. With knowledge, you will be able to discuss your situation with a specialist, which is key to identifying the right solutions for you. If you are experiencing bladder weakness for a longer time and it gets worse, a more thorough clinical evaluation is needed to ensure accurate diagnosis and long-term treatment.
If you are not sure which product to use when your bladder weakness deteriorates, feel free to call our customer service and receive free expert consultation.
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