Sometimes all it takes is a hearty laugh or a sneeze - and a few drops of urine go down your pants. Incontinence, by definition the involuntary loss of urine or stool, is a very common condition: According to statistics, it affects around a quarter of all women, and around half of all women over the age of fifty. Despite these figures and the fact that the condition is extremely distressing for those affected, bladder weakness is still a taboo subject. People don't talk about it, it's embarrassing. But if you want information or advice, idee für mich is the right place for you! We speak plainly - even when it comes to incontinence!

Incontinence: forms and causes

The three most common forms of incontinence are Stress incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence. With stress incontinence, urine leaks without the person affected feeling the urge to urinate. This typically occurs during physical exertion, for example when carrying heavy objects. However, urine can also leak when coughing, laughing or sneezing. A weakening of the pelvic floor is often responsible. In the case of urge incontinence, sufferers repeatedly feel an excessively strong urge to urinate, even though the bladder is not yet full. This sudden urge to urinate can occur very frequently, sometimes several times an hour. The reason for this is an "overactive bladder", which can be caused by nerve damage or bladder irritation. Psychosomatic factors can also play a role. Mixed incontinence combines symptoms of the two types described above.

What can those affected do?

In women, incontinence can also be caused by childbirth, the menopause or a change in tissue. However, there are ways and means of at least alleviating bladder weakness. Panty liners are a start, pelvic floor training is the next step. But the pelvic floor can also be relieved in everyday life, thus reducing the risk of incontinence. Oestrogen supplements can also help with menopause-related hormone deficiency. At idee für mich, you will find everything you need to know about incontinence - in all openness!