subject: What Is Mixed Incontinence And Do You Have It? [print this page] What Is Mixed Incontinence And Do You Have It?
Many people think that incontinence is a disease and that simply isn't correct. Incontinence is a symptom of an underlying condition or conditions that is causing a continence problem. There is no single cause and if you have one it doesn't mean you don't have others. The answer to the question of "What is mixed incontinence" is when there are multiple causes that you suffer from.
For example stress incontinence is one of the most common forms of the condition and it is caused typically by a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. This muscle group is responsible for supporting all of the organs in the lower abdomen. When it is damaged or loses tone, the organs, including the bladder, become susceptible to outside pressures which can in turn cause the bladder to leak.
A simple laugh or sneeze can create sufficient pressure to cause a leakage. Typically this condition can be controlled and cured using isometric Kegel exercises to tone up the pelvic floor muscles.
If you suffer from frequent urges to use the bathroom then you have a condition that can be caused by diseases or nerve damage to the bladder. Controlling this condition usually requires medication and of course treatment for any suspect diseases.
There are other forms of this condition and other causes. If you have two or more then you have mixed incontinence. Obviously your first stop should be the doctor's office to determine just what is causing your problem. Once your physician has made an informed diagnosis then you can start treating the issue. Typically a doctor will start with the least difficult cause to treat and then move on to the more difficult once the original cause is eliminated.
So hopefully this brief article has answered you question of what is mixed incontinence and if you feel that you may suffer from it will motivate you to seek treatment from your physician.
