My cousin and I were hateful children. My aunt – my cousin’s mother – had a problem with incontinence. If she laughed too hard she would tinkle a little bit. When we discovered this fact, we did whatever it took to put her into hysterics. Again, we were horrible kids, but to a preteen, it was a pretty funny occurrence. Fortunately, my aunt was good-natured about it all, although I am sure quite embarrassed. I offer this as an apology to my aunt, who shall remain nameless. I’m guessing my cousin is sorry as well.

As an adult, I realize that incontinence is no laughing matter. It can actually be a life altering burden. But there are some things that can be done to help the situation.

The causes of incontinence are varied and include multiple childbirth, urinary tract infection, illness, side effects from certain medications and for men an enlarged prostate. While incontinence is more often diagnosed in older people, this is not a necessary consequence of aging.

And not all incontinence is created equal – but the outcome is about the same:

Stress incontinence, which occurs mostly in women, is the leakage of urine during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects or other body movements that put pressure on the bladder.

Urge incontinence is the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a bathroom. When a strong need to use the restroom arises or when even a small amount of liquid, especially caffeine is consumed, leakage occurs. Caffeine is a potent bladder irritant.

Overflow incontinence is the leakage of small amounts of urine, day and night, from a bladder that always feels full. Getting up frequently during the night to use the bathroom is a common symptom.

The prevalence of pads, and absorbent undergarments on the market may keep people dry in the short run but they are often hard on self-esteem and the use of these products can cause patients to postpone seeking treatment. People often start with pads and then graduate to adult incontinence briefs.

Treatments for incontinence are as varied as the causes and include behavioral techniques, medications and surgery.

Bladder drills and Kegel exercises are two noninvasive and successful techniques with proven results.

Bladder drills involve emptying the bladder by clock rather than by desire, so that it is prevented from reaching the volume where leakage occurs. The goal is to reach two and a half to three hours between voids without leakage or accidents.

Kegel exercises rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles, which can improve bladder support. Various devices can be used to ensure that the correct muscles are being used during the exercises. I have heard from happy seniors that with dedication and a little time, these muscles will strengthen and incontinence, for the most part, becomes a thing of the past.

Imagine not having to plan your life around whether or not a bathroom is nearby. Life is too short to be afraid to give a belly laugh, pick up a baby or sneeze during allergy season.

Don’t be embarrassed. If you are suffering from incontinence, talk to your doctor.

There is tremendous isolation due to incontinence and people give up activities that they enjoy. Don’t let this treatable condition govern your life.

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Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, email info@eaaa.org, or log on www.eaaa.org.