“Recently I have had trouble controlling my bladder and it’s gotten to the point where I can’t go the day without wetting my clothes. I’m only 23 years old! Aren’t I too young for adult diapers? Help!”
Urinary incontinence is a non-discriminatory condition. This means any one can experience bladder control problems at any age. Granted, incontinence is more common in elderly adults, however there are 20-year-olds who do suffer from the condition.
People wear adult diapers and other forms of incontinence products, such as bladder pads and disposable underwear, for a variety of reasons. Some factors that can affect bladder control include:
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Pregnancy & childbirth – During this time, a woman’s pelvic floor can be weakened, which negatively affects bladder control.
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Prostate problems – Men with an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer will sometimes experience urine dribbling, in which they’d wear a male guard for protection.
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Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – When a person’s mental capacity becomes compromised due to disease, it can be difficult to know when they need to use the bathroom.
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Multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions – Disruptions in signals to and from the brain can result in problems in bladder control.
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Dehydration – Many people think that by drinking less water, they’d leak less. However, dehydration causes the urine to concentrate, which irritates the bladder.
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Certain foods & drink s – What you eat and drink can affect your bladder control. Spicy foods, coffee, and tea are common bladder irritants.
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Urinary tract infections – UTIs can cause you to have strong urges to urinate.
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Medication – Certain medications, such as diuretics and antidepressants, can increase bladder problems.
Although you technically aren’t too young for adult diapers, incontinence at any age is definitely not normal. The first thing you should do is contact your doctor or an urologist. He or she can help you determine why you are leaking urine all of a sudden. If you think that the cause may be one of those from the above list, do let your doctor know. You might be embarrassed to discuss this with someone, but understand that you won’t be able to solve your problem without knowing what’s causing it.
Depending on your situation, your doctor may advise you to change your diet, drink more water, perform kegels, or retrain your bladder. In the meantime, you can wear incontinence pads or disposable underwear to maintain the leakage. Incontinence is treatable, and you shouldn’t have to give up the things you love. Good luck!
