originating from the latin: continentia - Restraint
German: Inkontinenz
In a medical context the term continence is used to describe the unwanted process of excretion (stool, urine). In a broader sense other bodily fluids and gases are also included.
Incontinence is the Opposite to the physiologically present continence of the precipitation organs. Two forms of incontince are differentiated depending on the type of excretion:
Talking about incontinence is a taboo for many patients and it is seldomly addressed directly. In cases of any suspicion the question of incontinence should always be asked when taking a medical history. It is estimated that up to 8 million people in Germany are currently suffering from urinary incontinence.
Tags: Bowel movement, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, Stool, Urine
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