Incontinence, which can be defined as the loss of voluntary bladder control or the involuntary loss of bladder contents, affects between one quarter and one third of American adults. Understanding the severity of the condition is important for choosing products, treatments, and support that can improve your overall quality of life.
There are urinary incontinence products available for heavy and light incontinence, as well as everything in between. Read on to learn more about heavy vs. light incontinence and how to overcome many of the issues this condition can create for those who have been diagnosed.
What Is Light Incontinence?
Light incontinence is characterized by the infrequent involuntary loss of a small to moderate amount of urine. The leakage may only occur under the stress of laughing, sneezing, or coughing, or it may also occur during vigorous exercise. Most individuals who are diagnosed with light incontinence maintain complete control over their bladder function most of the time.
Some of the most common causes of incontinence occurring only sporadically include childbirth, aging, or constipation, among others. Light incontinence may persist long-term as a chronic condition, or it may get better over time with treatment prescribed by a physician. Examples include pelvic floor exercises and other non-invasive, non-surgical options. Fortunately, light incontinence rarely interferes with daily life. Occasionally, adult diapers may provide a sense of security – especially overnight, when leaks are more likely to go unnoticed.
What Is Heavy Incontinence?
Heavy incontinence can be described as a more frequent loss of a larger volume of urine. Those who live with heavy incontinence often have no warning, making them unable to prevent the release of their bladder contents. In this case, leakage may occur throughout the day – sometimes even constantly. It is not unusual for sufferers of heavy incontinence to feel a sudden and extreme urge to use the bathroom, but void unintentionally within seconds.
Heavy incontinence can have a serious socioeconomic impact on those who live with the condition. From work to relationships, and from mental health to self-confidence, heavy incontinence can cause significant interruptions in everyday life without the proper products and support. Adult diapers are essential for maintaining a sense of normalcy, and they are available in tabbed and pull-up options for discreet comfort.
Heavy vs. Light Incontinence: Five Considerations
When comparing heavy vs. light incontinence, there are five primary considerations. Although each can be problematic for sufferers, understanding the differences is important for making educated decisions about your own incontinence treatment and management.
1. Causes
Most of the time, both light and heavy incontinence stem from a preexisting condition that may or may not resolve over time. For example, light incontinence may occur as the result of vaginal childbirth, which weakens pelvic floor muscles. It may also be the result of urethral hypermobility, which occurs when pressure in the abdomen exceeds the pressure required to keep the urethra closed. Coughing, laughing, or sneezing can increase the pressure even further, causing leaks.
Heavy incontinence, on the other hand, can be the result of conditions like the prolapse of pelvic organs, prostate disease, bladder stones, and severe urinary tract infections, among other causes. Advanced cancer may also lead to heavy incontinence. These conditions do not resolve on their own, and they often require one or more medical interventions. In some cases, incontinence may improve after these surgical interventions.
2. Severity
Severity is the primary consideration when examining heavy vs. light incontinence. With light incontinence, leakage occurs sporadically, and sufferers can often control their bladders most of the time. With heavy incontinence, individuals may experience constant, heavy leakage.
3. Treatment
Light incontinence can often be treated with a mix of pelvic floor exercises, weight loss support, smoking cessation, biofeedback, and other non-invasive methods. Sometimes, devices that provide additional structural support can help with light incontinence. Examples include urethral inserts and vaginal pessaries, which help these structures maintain their correct shape and position, allowing for more bladder control.
To treat heavy incontinence, physicians look for the underlying cause. Because most cases of heavy incontinence are the result of major issues such as prolapses or prostate issues, surgical correction is the best course of action. Physicians may also recommend the use of catheters and external collection devices to improve overall quality of life.
4. Quality of Life
Light incontinence can be an annoyance and a burden as it requires additional measures to protect your personal hygiene. Most individuals can follow through on their treatment, avoid triggers (such as caffeine or smoking), and use incontinence products to live a relatively normal life, and in many cases, the incontinence will resolve completely.
Those with heavy incontinence may find it difficult or even impossible to participate in many of their favorite activities without significantly altering their lifestyles. Wearing adult diapers can contain leakage, but still restrict some activities, such as swimming.
5. Emotional Impact
While there is certainly an emotional impact associated with incontinence at any level, heavy incontinence and the stigma surrounding it can lead to emotions like anger, anxiety, and even depression. Many individuals slowly close themselves off from the world, with some even going as far as quitting their jobs or retiring early to avoid potential embarrassment. Fortunately, high-quality adult diapers come in multiple styles, ensuring that heavy incontinence sufferers have the tools they need to live confidently.