How to Care for a Teenager with Incontinence

Just when teenage girls thought they had enough to handle, incontinence adds to their challenges. Incontinence, which is characterized by the uncontrollable leakage of urine, can occur throughout the day or only at night. It's important to understand the causes and find solutions for teenage incontinence.

While addressing the underlying causes, Beautikini Teen undies offer an excellent way to manage symptoms and provide comfort, dryness, and a sense of normalcy for your teenager. These undies not only look and feel like any other cute underwear, but they are also truly Beautikini. Crafted from highly absorbent materials that actively combat odors, Beautikini undies can help your teenager regain confidence in any situation.

How common is incontinence in young adults?

The prevalence of incontinence in young adults is as follows: In teenage girls and boys, around 3 percent of 15 to 16-year-olds are affected by urinary incontinence, as reported by Incontinence United Kingdom. Additionally, a study referenced by cincinnatichildrens.org revealed that 3 to 4 percent of children aged 4 to 12 experience daytime urinary leaks. It is worth noting that urinary incontinence is more commonly observed in teenage girls compared to teenage boys.

Symptoms of teenage incontinence include:

1. Increased frequency of urination beyond what is considered normal. The frequent need to urinate may affect concentration in the classroom or the ability to engage in sports activities.
2. Feeling the urge to urinate before the bladder is completely full.
3. Frequent instances of accidents or urine leakage while hurrying to the bathroom. This is referred to as urge incontinence.

Common causes of incontinence in teenagers and young adults

Teenage and young adult incontinence can have various causes. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Bladder infection: Treatable with medication, a bladder infection can contribute to incontinence.
2. Hormonal changes: Fluctuating hormones, particularly during puberty, can affect bladder control.
3. Nerve-related conditions: Underlying conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis can damage nerves and impact bladder function.
4. High-impact sports injuries: Teenagers engaged in high-impact sports such as gymnastics or track and field may experience incontinence due to repetitive forceful impacts that can damage the pelvic floor muscles over time. This is more prevalent in females.
5. Hereditary factors: In some cases, incontinence may run in the family.
6. Weak pelvic floor muscles: Weaker-than-normal pelvic floor muscles can contribute to incontinence.
7. Obesity: Excess weight places additional pressure on the bladder, increasing the risk of incontinence. Other risk factors include childhood nocturnal enuresis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic constipation.

Types of incontinence in teenagers

Types of incontinence commonly seen in teenagers include daytime wetting, bedwetting, and urge incontinence.

Daytime Leaks

Daytime wetting refers to bladder leakage that occurs during waking hours. It is often caused by an overactive bladder or pelvic floor issues. Girls are twice as likely as boys to experience daytime wetting.

Overnight Leaks

Bedwetting, which is common in childhood, can persist into the teenage years. It occurs when the brain does not fully control bladder function during sleep. While it is usually not medically related, consulting with a doctor can help determine the underlying cause.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence involves a sudden and strong urge to urinate, leading to accidents or uncontrollable urine loss. Normally, the urge to urinate is felt when the bladder is about half-full (around 300ml). This provides ample time to reach a restroom, as there is still 300ml of capacity remaining. However, individuals with urge incontinence experience an intense urge to urinate and may be unable to hold it in, even before the bladder is completely full.

How to support your teenage child with incontinence:

Understanding and Support

It is crucial to provide understanding and support to your teenage child when they discuss their incontinence issues with you. Many teenagers may feel embarrassed or stressed about their condition. Be empathetic and offer reassurance that you are there to help them find solutions.

Beautikini Periodunderwear

Consider using Beautikini periodunderwear as an immediate solution for teenage incontinence. Not all absorbent underwear is the same, but brands like Beautikini offer stylish and cute options that effectively combat leaks, providing confidence to teenagers. These underwear feature a four-layer design that efficiently wicks moisture away from the skin, absorbs leaks, and fights bacteria and odors.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

If your doctor suspects that weak pelvic floor muscles may be contributing to the issue, pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial. This specialized form of therapy focuses on exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder control. Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is available for children and teens between the ages of four and seventeen.

Establish a Bathroom Schedule

Encourage your teenager to follow a consistent bathroom schedule, such as using the restroom at regular intervals, like once every two hours. This can help manage their bladder and reduce the frequency of accidents.

Monitor Food and Beverage Intake

Be aware of certain foods and beverages that can irritate the bladder and increase the likelihood of nighttime accidents. Examples include citrus fruits, acidic fruits, caffeine, and carbonated beverages. Encourage your teenager to limit or avoid these items if they notice a correlation between consumption and increased incontinence episodes.

By implementing these strategies, you can provide support and practical solutions to help your teenage child manage their incontinence effectively.

Knowing when to seek professional help for teenage incontinence is important.

 Here are signs indicating it's time to consult with a doctor:

1. Daytime accidents persisting for 2 or more months.
2. Painful urination.
3. Frequent bedwetting.
4. Abnormal patterns of urination, such as urinating too infrequently or too frequently (on average, 6 to 7 times in a 24-hour period).
5. Intense and sudden urges to urinate, often without sufficient warning to reach the bathroom in time.
6. Recurring urinary tract infections.
7. Only experiencing a small trickle of urine when feeling the urge to urinate.

If any of these signs are present, it is advisable to seek professional medical advice to identify the underlying causes of teenage incontinence and explore appropriate treatment options.

Browse Beautikini Products

No matter the occasion, Beautikini has a range of underwear options to meet your needs, whether it's for school, sports, or bedtime. Our super-light collection provides the absorbency equivalent of 1 light pad, while our super-heavy collection can hold up to 5 regular pads or 10 teaspoons. Say goodbye to the worries of teenage incontinence - we've got you covered!