Have you ever encountered advertisements on incontinence products online? Whether you answered yes or no to that question, you've probably raised an eyebrow at the word 'incontinence' alone. Incontinence is a medical condition that mainly affects the bladder's nerves and muscles. People who are suffering from this condition experience difficulty controlling their bowel movements and or holding in urine. Below are five key details about the condition that would better explain its causes, along with some of the possible options for treatment.

It knows no gender or age
The assumption that incontinence only affects women is a myth. The reality is that while the condition is more prevalent among women, men can also be predisposed to incontinence. Many conditions and factors not exclusive to old age can cause the muscles and nerves in a person's bladder to weaken. You could be in your late twenties or mid-thirties and still develop this condition.

The causes are varied
Some of the most common incontinence causes include living an unhealthy lifestyle and other medical conditions related to the urinary tract. For women, menopause, childbirth, pregnancy, and frequent urinary tract infections are possible triggers. As women undergo menopause, their estrogen production decreases, making their bladder and urinary systems more vulnerable to infection. The stress and added pressure on the bladder during pregnancy and childbirth could strain the muscles and weaken them in the process. An infected urinary tract reinforces the inclination to defecate and pee. Obesity also puts excessive pressure on your bladder, while smoking can lead to chronic cough. Chronic coughing may weaken a smoker's pelvic nerves and muscles.

Also read about: Say Goodbye to Inconvenient Sanitary Pads and Tampons and Say Hello to the Leak Proof Underwear

Medication and previous surgeries may also be at play
The downside to some medications is the potential long-term side effects. For instance, a medicine designed to treat anxiety and depression, induce sleep, or intervene with the effects of diabetes and Parkinson's may affect the nerves and muscles responsible for controlling urine and bowel movements. To balance these try skincare products.

There are different kinds of incontinence
Functional incontinence is the result of impairment to one's cognitive or physical health. Alzheimer's and arthritis are examples of this. Stress incontinence is typical among pregnant women and people who are overweight. On the other hand, urge incontinence has been described as still having a very strong urge to pee despite having just gone to the bathroom. Men with enlarged prostates and women with weakened bladders may suffer from overflow incontinence — wherein a person experiences difficulty emptying their bladder while they pee. The excess urine may leak during unexpected situations, such as when they sit, cough, or jump.

It is treatable
You can treat incontinence through several different methods. Some involve exercise and therapy. For instance, kegel exercises involve routines and activities that train patients to squeeze their pelvic floor muscles and stimulate better urinary control. The use of electric pulses to stimulate the nerves is also a known intervention for incontinence. Incontinence products online are available to provide relief. These products include a pessary ring that readjusts the position of the urethra, and special pads, pants, and waterproof shorts. Patients with more serious conditions of incontinence are typically made to take medication or undergo surgery. Not many people may be familiar with incontinence, but knowing what causes it and how it can be diagnosed should encourage proper care and understanding for the people trying to overcome this condition.