Don’t wait to get help for functional incontinence 

 Are you or someone you care about struggling to make it to the bathroom on time? Leaking urine or feces before you get to the toilet? You could be dealing with functional incontinence. If you have this problem, you often can’t get to the restroom in time, even though your bladder or bowels function properly. This functional difficulty happens because you have a physical or mental condition that causes you not to get the “gotta go” signal in time to get to a toilet. 

Causes and risk factors 

 A variety of medical and nonmedical issues cause functional incontinence. 

• Medical conditions, such as dementia, that affect your cognitive processes 
• Neurological conditions that affect the brain, nerves or spinal cord, such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke 
• Arthritis or any muscle or joint condition that makes it difficult for you to get in and out of clothing to use the toilet 
• Weakened pelvic floor muscles 
• Weak bladder 
• Medications that make you urinate more frequently 
• Sleeping pills or other medications that make it difficult for your brain to receive the “gotta go” signal 
• Urinary tract infections
• Constipation 

 If you have any of the conditions listed above, you have an increased risk of developing functional incontinence. Your risk also increases if you are 65 or older, or are not physically active. 

Symptoms of functional incontinence 

 There is no reason for anyone to suffer with incontinence. We can help. If you or someone you care for exhibits any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see our Houston urologists for diagnosis and treatment. 

• Dribbling or leaking urine or feces on a regular basis 
• Unintentionally fully emptying the bladder before making it to the bathroom 
• Being unable to hold your urine until you can get to a toilet 
• The inability to remove clothing in time to get on the toilet 
• Noticing a urine odor on clothes, bedding or around the home 

Our Houston urologists can expertly diagnose and treat functional incontinence 

 Our team knows exactly which questions to ask to determine what kind of incontinence you may have. They also perform a thorough physical examination. After that, our physicians may recommend urinalysis, urodynamic testing or pelvic floor dysfunction tests. Once they have a diagnosis, the team can create a treatment plan. In addition to management techniques, our physicians may recommend catheters, bladder training or pelvic floor physical therapy.  

Tips for managing your condition 

 Here are some tips from our Houston urologists to help you manage incontinence.  

• Wear pads or undergarments designed for leaking urine or feces. 
• Wear garments such as elastic-waist pants that are easier to remove. 
• Keep the walkways to your home’s bathrooms clear and free of tripping hazards. 
• Install helpful devices, such as raised toilet seats and grab bars. 
• Avoid spicy foods, caffeinated drinks and other things that affect the bladder and bowels. 

 Our Houston urology team members can help you cope with functional incontinence. There is no reason for you or your loved ones to suffer in silence. Contact us for an appointment.