What Is Functional Incontinence?
Functional incontinence is a condition that occurs when a person’s bladder and bowels work properly, but they are unable to access or reach the toilet due to a cognitive issue or physical barrier.
When we’re looking for causes of incontinence, we don’t often blame the brain or our physical environment. That’s because dysfunction of the bladder or bowels is typically caused by a physiological issue. Muscles and organs don’t work as they should, causing a loss of control and bladder leakage. But, for many people, there’s more to the story than just physiological dysfunction. For some, incontinence is caused by a cognitive or mental health issue or a lack of accessibility. This is called functional incontinence or disability associated incontinence.
Functional Incontinence Definition
What is functional incontinence? To put it simply, it’s a form of incontinence that occurs when a person can’t get to the toilet in time, not due to physical dysfunction, but due to mental health issues or physical limitations. Barriers within a person’s environment may also cause functional incontinence. This type of incontinence can happen to individuals at any age, but it’s especially common among people who have an existing health condition, such as arthritis, dementia, or depression.
For more information on defining and dealing with this form of incontinence, we turned to Dr. Karyn Eilber, CEO and Co-Founder of GLISSANT and Associate Professor of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
“Incontinence usually occurs when there is a problem with the bladder or urinary sphincter (the muscle that controls the urinary outlet), but incontinence can occur even when these work properly,” says Dr. Eilber. “Either someone can't physically get to the toilet or they have a cognitive issue that they ignore the signal to use the bathroom.”
This may happen when a person cannot identify when they need to use the restroom or they are unable to locate or reach the toilet for some reason. It may also occur when a person is unable to remove their clothing in time to use the toilet.
What Causes Functional Incontinence?
Although functional incontinence can happen to anyone — and, in fact, may happen to everyone at some point in their life — certain people are at a higher risk for the condition than others. Some of the most common causes for this condition include the following.
- Mental Health Issues — Studies show that mental health issues, such as extreme depression or anxiety, can increase a person’s risk of developing incontinence. These issues can cause people to move slowly or lose all interest in self-care, which may lead to a lack of urgency or desire to use the restroom.
- Underlying Conditions — Underlying health conditions, such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, stroke, muscle weakness, multiple sclerosis (MS), and others, can also prevent a person from reaching the toilet in a timely manner. Read our blog on MS bladder issues for more information on how underlying conditions can contribute to incontinence and bladder dysfunction.
- Medications — Those who take certain medications may find that they are unable to recognize the need to use the restroom. Some medicines, such as diuretics, may also increase the need to urinate or may make a person so groggy they cannot recognize the urgency to use the restroom.
- Physical Limitations and Barriers — Another common cause of functional incontinence is when a person cannot reach the bathroom in time. This can happen due to environmental barriers or because they have physical limitations that prevent them from walking or removing their clothing in time. Those who need assistance going from wheelchair to toilet may also experience this.
- Cognitive Issues — Cognitive impairment can impact a person’s ability to identify when they need to use the restroom. It may also prevent them from being able to locate the toilet in time. Some common examples of cognitive issues associated with functional incontinence include dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and intellectual disabilities.
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Common Causes of Functional Incontinence
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Dealing with Functional Incontinence
The best way to treat functional incontinence is to address the condition or situation which may be causing the issue. “Ideally, the underlying condition would be treated,” says Dr. Eilber. “Severe depression might make someone not want to care for themselves, so treating the depression would cure the incontinence.” If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from functional incontinence due to a mental health issue, it’s crucial that you seek professional help.
A clean, safe, and uncluttered environment is needed for anyone who has or is at risk of developing functional incontinence. Be sure that there is a clear, safe, and easily accessible pathway to the toilet or a commode at all times. Wearing bladder leakage pads is another simple way to prevent accidents when you may not be able to get to the bathroom right away. Shop our incontinence products for women to find some excellent solutions for yourself or a loved one.
Stay Protected and Dry with Our Bladder Leakage Products
Supporting You Through Your Incontinence Journey
Functional incontinence can happen to anyone at any age, and although it feels frustrating and embarrassing, there are ways to keep it under control so you can live out a happy, healthy life with confidence and pride. Sofia & Grace is here to help with products, support, and solutions to help you navigate all different forms of incontinence throughout life.
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