This type of incontinence occurs as a result of something else happening in your body or mind – be it musculoskeletal issues, neurological issues, or issues that affect our ability to think and communicate as we usually would, such as mental health or memory issues.
These issues can result in realising the need for the toilet too late, being too slow at reaching the toilet, being unable to remove clothes with ease, or even ignoring one’s own need for the toilet.
Past studies
have shown that musculoskeletal disorders can affect incontinence, but a lack of bladder control can also occur as a result of an undiagnosed issue, such as back pain.
Functional incontinence can also be affected by neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Further complicating this issue, public toilet facilities are not always easy to get to, or may not be properly set up for people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, reduced vision can impact someone adequately seeing where they’re going en route to the toilet, then struggling to find their way to the actual toilet once they’ve entered the room. Reduced mobility can also result in functional incontinence with those affected potentially have to use walking aids resulting in a longer trip to the toilet, while their ability to take their clothes off quickly enough before urinating can be a challenge.
Functional incontinence isn’t just caused by physical problems, however – it can result from problems with thinking or communicating. For example, a person with Alzheimer’s disease, mental confusion or dementia may not recognise the urge to urinate, or may find it difficult to locate their own bathroom. Or, someone suffering from severe depression or anxiety may lose the desire to care for themselves, and lose all motivation to go to the toilet.