Incontinence

originating from the latin: continentia - Restraint
German: Inkontinenz

1 Definition

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.

2 Background

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:

• Urinary incontinence (incontinentia vesicae)
• Faecal incontincence (incontinentia alvi)

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.

3 Additional forms of incontinence

• Lactorrhea (incontinentia lactis)
• Flatulence (incontinentia flati)
• Affective incontinence