A wrench, a screwdriver, perhaps some replacement washers can usually fix an irritating, water robbing leaky faucet. Women faced with a leaky bladder can only hope a fix is that easy.
We never used to talk about urinary incontinence, UI. If we did, it was with a doctor or a close confidant. We might even ask someone else to go down the aisle in the pharmacy to pick up supplies to help manage the problem.
But if you’ve turned on your TV at all lately, or heard the ads on the radio for products to deal with the issue, all modesty appears to have flown out the window. The age of those featured in commercials has come down by decades — and the conversation has become incredibly open.
Those dealing with the issue say it’s a good thing.
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Shelley Jones (not her real name) from Plano, Texas, told LifeZette, “My first experience with incontinence was horrifying. I was at my son’s basketball game, jumping up and down and yelling through the entire game. After they won, I was screaming and crying from joy, and the next thing I knew …”
We can guess the rest without spelling out every detail.
“I didn’t know what to do, so I literally poured the rest of my soda on me before I stood up, pretending that is what happened. I was 42 years old at the time. Twelve years later, I couldn’t be happier they are making discreet yet absorbent products for incontinence.”
Over 25 million adult women and men experience incontinence of some kind, the National Association for Continence reports. The condition leaves many sufferers embarrassed, frustrated, depressed, and thinking the only answer is less fluids and adult diapers.
But now, more than ever before, there are easy solutions for those plagued by bladder control issues.
Dr. Jack Ford is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with over 50 years experience.
“Urinary incontinence in women is a very common problem. Most women will experience some type of urinary incontinence at some time during their lifetimes. There are multiple causes, and there are multiple treatment options,” he said.
The two main types of UI are stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence, which is more common, results when stress is placed on the bladder from activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or jogging. Urge incontinence is when there is an immediate urge to urinate and loss of urine occurs before the patient is able to reach a restroom.
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Causes include pelvic floor weakness subsequent to childbirth. Nerve damage, weight gain and certain brain conditions can also create problems. Ford says a patient suffering from urinary incontinence should see a gynecologist, urologist or other specialist for a complete evaluation and discussion regarding treatment options. Treatments may be as simple as Kegel exercises, “but medical procedures and/or surgical treatments may also need to be considered.”
Noreen Smith (not her real name), a 45-year-old woman from Wisconsin, is grateful more people are openly talking about the issue.
“I’m a mother of two and an avid runner. I developed incontinence after our last baby was born. When I went jogging or simply sneezed or laughed, I would leak urine. Finally, I met with my physician, and was prescribed a medication that was a time-released, once-a-day pill. The medication combined with lifestyle changes have allowed me to live a more normal, active life.”
Health experts offer the following advice.
Drink more fluids. While too many fluids can potentially lead to bladder leakage, not drinking enough can also lead to dehydration, which causes leakage and bladder problems of their own. Stick with the recommended six to eight glasses of fluids a day.
Empty your bladder regularly. Most people wait until their bladder feels full, but people with urinary incontinence should go to the bathroom on a regular basis (every two to three hours).
Exercise. Carrying extra weight only puts extra pressure on your pelvis. Incorporating a 20-to-30 minute brisk walk into your day is a great way to do your body, mind, soul and bladder a favor.
Do kegels. These pelvic floor exercises can benefit both men and women who have urinary incontinence. Squeeze or tighten your pelvic floor muscles (the same muscles you use to stop urinating), then release. Doing this regularly strengthens the muscles that support the bladder.
“Urinary incontinence can be embarrassing and can adversely affect one’s quality of life, but a patient should not be embarrassed to seek proper treatment options with a qualified physician,” said Ford.
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