Functional incontinence
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Functional incontinence
Functional incontinence occurs when something makes it hard for a person to reach or use a bathroom in time to urinate and there is an involuntary release of urine. In functional incontinence, there is not a medical reason, such as muscle weakness in the urinary tract, for a release of urine.
Functional incontinence may occur when a disability prevents a person from reaching a bathroom in time to urinate, or a confused person is unable to locate the bathroom in time. Buckles or zippers that take too long to open also may result in a person's functional incontinence.
Treatment may involve changing the physical setting or clothing to make it easier to reach the toilet in time. In some cases of physical or mental impairment, a caregiver may prompt the person when it is time to go into the bathroom (prompted voiding).
Credits
| Author | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology |
| Last Updated | September 17, 2008 |
| Last updated: | September 17, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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