Functional incontinence is a type of incontinence where the person does not recognize or feel the urge to urinate. People who have functional incontinence have a difficult time getting to the toilet. The problem could be that a person can’t get to the washroom quickly due to mobility restrictions or is slow to remove clothing. Some people with musculoskeletal problems face functional incontinence. Those with neurological problems, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, may also suffer from functional incontinence. There are even situations where a person may not think clearly and, therefore, can’t get to a washroom in time. Those with dementia would fall into this category.
Causes and symptoms of functional incontinence
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Functional incontinence can stem from a disorder or a mobility issue that prevents the individual from reaching the bathroom in time or even recognizing where the bathroom is.
Common causes for functional incontinence include dementia, poor eyesight, poor mobility, lack of motor skills that aid in removing clothing, unwillingness to go to the bathroom as a result of depression or anxiety, low lighting, obstacles on the way to the bathroom, neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, or a side effect of medications.
Symptoms of functional incontinence include having urine accidents without being aware or having accidents as a result of being unable to reach the bathroom. On the other hand, functional incontinence can be a symptom of other conditions as well, so patients may experience accompanying symptoms related to that other problem.
What Are the Risk Factors for Functional Incontinence?
Person’s at risk for functional incontinence are also at risk for other medical conditions. For example, older persons are more likely to suffer from functional incontinence as they are also more likely to have dementia or other conditions like Parkinson’s disease which can contribute to functional incontinence.
Other medical conditions a person has will affect how a person has functional incontinence. For example, a patient with arthritis may accidentally urinate themselves because they were unable to undress. A person with dementia, on the other hand, may have an accident as a result of forgetting or know knowing where the bathroom is.
How to Diagnose Functional Incontinence
Functional incontinence is diagnosed by looking at a patient’s medical history including current medical conditions along with any medications or supplements a person may be taking. Your doctor will also want to know about your general health including diet, exercise habits, hydration, and general mobility.
Your doctor may perform routine tests such as urinalysis to screen for any abnormalities.
In some cases, your doctor may request less common tests such as food and water intake, urinary and bowel movements, and discuss with you when incontinence became a problem. Your doctor will also want to check your pelvic floor strength and check for any abnormalities of the pelvis and urinary system such as the presence of any infections.
Treatment options for managing functional incontinence
Proper treatment of functional incontinence involves addressing the underlying cause. For example, targeting multiple sclerosis or dementia, wearing glasses, treating depression, or any other cause of functional incontinence.
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Treatment also includes targeting environmental factors that could contribute to functional incontinence such as de-cluttering spaces, wearing easy-to-remove clothing, or improving lighting conditions.
In some situations, pelvic floor exercises called Kegels can help strengthen the urinary sphincter and thus the pelvic muscles to help prevent the leaks. There is also a technique known as bladder training. Someone who bladder-trains is aiming to bring urge under control. One way to do this is to schedule certain times for washroom breaks and stick to those times. After a while, the bladder gets accustomed to emptying at specific times and the random, frequent urges start to subside. Some urologists also suggest double-voiding, which means going to the toilet, then waiting for a couple minutes and going again.
Discussing your functional incontinence with your doctor will help you get the proper treatment and better manage your condition.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
