incontinence /inkon″tinəns/ [L, incontinentia, inability to retain] , the inability to control urination or defecation. Urinary incontinence may be caused by physiological, psychological, or pathological factors. Treatment depends on the diagnosed cause. Fecal incontinence may result from relaxation of the anal sphincter or disorders of the central nervous system or spinal cord and may be treated by a program of bowel training. A Bradford frame with an opening for a bedpan or urinal may be used for bedridden incontinent patients. See also bowel training, urinary incontinence. −incontinent, adj.
