Bladder leakage. Chances are, you might experience it. But do you know why it happens or how to deal with it? Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. When you suffer from incontinence, severity of bladder leakage it can range from occasional leakage of urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise to such strong and sudden urges that you can’t get to the bathroom in time. Although incontinence is quite common, it is certainly not normal, nor is it something you have to live with. Not to mention, it’s expensive to manage and can significantly impact your daily life. Suffering from incontinence and not sure how to find relief? Here are five things to know about bladder leakage to help you take action and regain control.
1. You are not alone. Incontinence is common.
While it can feel quite lonely and isolating, incontinence is very common. Although men suffer from incontinenceit affects twice as many women as men. This is due to reproductive health events unique to women, such as pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, which affect the bladder and the muscles that support it. Urinary incontinence can occur in women of any age, but is more common in older women. Almost 20% of women aged 49-50 have bladder problems and more than 4 in 10 women aged 65 and over have urinary incontinence. Again, this condition is common but not normal, nor something you should have to live with. There are treatment options available for all levels of severity.
2. There are three categories of causes of incontinence.
Incontinence is a symptom of everyday habits, underlying medical conditions or physical problems. Women may experience incontinence due to temporary medical problems or you may be treating it as a chronic condition. There are three main categories of incontinence:
Temporary causes – This category includes things like medications, too much caffeine, or muscle relaxants that can cause bladder leakage.
Medical conditions – In this case, bladder leakage is caused by medical problems such as urinary tract infections or constipation.
Persistent incontinence – Persistent causes of incontinence include major changes in one’s body, such as pregnancy, aging, or a hysterectomy.
3. Incontinence negatively affects your life.
Incontinence can take a toll on your social life, work life and wallet. In fact, the average woman with incontinence spends $900 a year on products to treat it. Coping with incontinence can make it difficult to maintain relationships. 60% of women suffering from incontinence have reported that they avoid even leaving their home. 20% of women have reported that he gave up physical activities due to bladder leakage. Incontinence can also have a huge impact on sleep. Studies have found that between 20-44% of women of reproductive age and 75% of women over 70 experience at least one void per night. These nocturnal voids and trips to the bathroom reduce sleep, and the loss of sleep can lead to a loss of mental clarity. Fortunately, incontinence is treatable and not something you have to live with for the rest of your life.
4. Incontinence is NOT normal.
Bladder leakage is not normal. It is not normal in younger women or a normal part of aging. It can be treated—you don’t have to live with incontinence for the rest of your life. There are a variety of exercises and treatments to treat different types of incontinence and bladder leakage. You don’t have to miss laughing, jumping, exercising, traveling or working because of incontinence.
5. There are treatment options available.
Your personal treatment plan will depend on the type of incontinence you are experiencing. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the options available to treat bladder leakage and find what works best for your body. Treatment options include, but are not limited to:
Behavioral techniques such as bladder training, planning bathroom trips and diet management
Pelvic floor exercises such as Kegels
Medicines
Medical devices, such as pessos
Surgery, including mesh-free insertion options
If your urinary incontinence is frequent or becoming more frequent, it is essential to find time to talk to a doctor. Don’t let incontinence limit your activities or reduce your quality of life. It’s good to get help sooner rather than later. In some cases, incontinence can be a sign of an underlying condition.
The Kaldas Center is here to help you take control.
Whether it’s a pessary, non-invasive approach or a 20-minute mesh-free surgical option, Kaldas Center is here to help you find the right treatment. Learn about all your options and work with our team to decide which one will work best for you. It’s time to take your life back. Call the Kaldas Center at 920-886-2299.
