Forms of incontinence
The word incontinence is derived from the latin term „continentia“ (involuntary loss of urine or stool), therefore incontinence means „the inability to hold back“.
The time of emptying can not be determined anymore. Incontinence can occur in people of all ages and both sexes, although the risk increases with age. In Austria, over one million people suffer from incontinence.
The involuntary loss of urine, the so called urinary incontinence, is the most common type. The involuntary loss of urine or stool is not only a social and hygienic problem, which severely limits a person’s quality of life, but is also in most cases a sign of disease. For those affected, incontinence is often a heavy physical and emotional burden. Out of shame, the suffering is often concealed. The causes and diseases of urinary incontinence may be very different and can be defined and distinguished by their specific symptoms. A specific treatment can be carried out only by an adequate medical evaluation.
The most common forms of incontinence are the following: