Incontinence in layman's terms is basically the lack of voluntary control regarding the excretory functions of the body. The term is more or less a compression of the full term that would probably be something like 'incontinence of urine or excreta'. The condition is prevalent among older people, but may occur in younger adults and teenagers as well. Basically the leakage of waste fluids and substances cannot be stopped and there are namely two types pf this disorder. The first one is 'stress' and the second one is 'urge'. The first one or stress incontinence happens when you laugh or sneeze or maybe cough, some people are not even aware that this is a medical condition. This can be helped by exercising and thus strengthening the vaginal muscles. Incontinence of urge happens when you need to go to the bathroom and you cannot help messing yourself at that very moment. This happens because you are unable to sense the first warning signs that your body sends in order to warn you that you need to use the bathroom.
The reasons for the disorder are numerous. In women it mostly occurs due to the thinning and drying of the skin in the urethra or the vagina. It normally happens post menopause. It may also be due to a weak pelvic muscle. Certain medicines are also responsible for causing the disorder and sometimes a urinary tract infection as well. Consult your doctor in order to find and identify if you have any of these problems, as it will help you cope with the disorder better. There are number of herbs that you ca use to treat incontinence. The first herb that you can try is devil's claw. It helps in strengthening the bladder and thus increases your ability to retain urine. Parsley can also help remedy the feeling of nervous tension, which sometimes is one of the main causes of incontinence. Make sure that you inform your doctor before you try out these remedies as they may interfere with the medication you may already be taking ad thus create further complications.
answered by M W