We’ve all been in that awkward moment when we suddenly have to pee and can’t hold it. We try to find a bathroom as fast as possible, and when we can’t it can be a very uncomfortable experience. But for some, this experience is not just an occasional inconvenience, it’s a daily struggle. This condition is known as incontinence, and it affects millions of people around the world.
Incontinence is the inability to control one’s bladder or bowel movements. It can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of different factors. It can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as an overactive bladder or a neurological disorder. Whatever the cause, incontinence can be a source of embarrassment and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.
What is It?
Incontinence is the inability to hold or control the release of urine or stool from the bladder or bowel. In the medical field, it is formally referred to as urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence depending on the type of leakage. It is a very common condition, with over 25 million Americans affected by it. It can be caused by a combination of factors, from physical to medical conditions, but it is not a normal part of aging.
Types of Incontinence
There are several different types, each with its own set of causes and symptoms. The most common types are stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence.
Stress incontinence is the most common form and occurs when the bladder is weakened and the muscles that control urine leakage are unable to hold it in. This type is usually caused by childbirth, obesity, or any other activity that puts extra strain on the bladder.
Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is when the bladder contracts suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in an uncontrollable urge to urinate. Overactive bladder can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a bladder infection, neurological disorder or weak pelvic floor muscles.
Overflow incontinence is when the bladder is not able to completely empty, resulting in frequent and uncontrollable leakage. This type is usually caused by an obstruction, such as an enlarged prostate or scar tissue.
Functional incontinence is when the individual is unable to reach the toilet in time due to physical or mental impairments.
What Causes It?
Incontinence can be caused by a variety of factors, both physical and psychological. The most common physical causes are childbirth, obesity, menopause, and neurological disorders. These can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for controlling the release of urine or stool.
It can also be caused by psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression. Stress can cause the bladder to become overactive, which can increase the urge to urinate. It can also affect the muscles that control the bladder and lead to leakage.
Other causes include certain medications, an enlarged prostate, and constipation.
Urine Leakage: Why?
If you’re experiencing frequent leakage of urine, then you may have incontinence. Other symptoms include an urgent need to urinate, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, frequent trips to the bathroom, and a feeling of urgency or pressure in the bladder. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment and Prevention
The most common treatment is pelvic floor exercises. These exercises strengthen the muscles that control urine leakage and can help reduce incontinence. Other treatments include bladder training, which teaches the individual how to control their bladder, and lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Incontinence can also be prevented with lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding constipation, pelvic floor exercises, and avoiding activities that put extra strain on the bladder. However, just doing kegel exercises is not enough. Doing Kegels and expecting to cure a leaky or overactive bladder is like doing one sit up and expecting to have a flat toned belly. Physical and Occupational Therapists teach an entire regimen of exercises to target all the muscles needed to treat incontinence.
Can Medication Help?
Medication can help relax the bladder and reduce the urge to urinate. It can also help reduce muscle spasms and improve bladder control. However, it is not always effective and the side effects can include headache, dry skin, and constipation. Constipation makes incontinence worse. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications for incontinence.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises are an important part of treatment. These exercises strengthen the muscles that control urine leakage and can help reduce and even cure incontinence. They can be done anywhere and at any time, are easy to learn, and 100% natural.
The exercises involve much more than just contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Just like you wouldn’t go to a foot doctor for a heart condition, it’s important to learn the correct technique from a qualified professional to ensure you’re doing the exercises correctly.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes can also help reduce incontinence. These changes include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding constipation, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, and avoiding activities that put extra strain on the bladder.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water, reduce your intake of caffeine and eat a balanced diet to keep your bladder healthy. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your bladder healthy and reduce the chance of getting a bladder infection. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help reduce incontinence.
Conclusion
Incontinence can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition, but there are ways to manage it. Pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes offer a natural way to overcome urinary it.
If you’re experiencing a leaky or overactive bladder, take control of your bladder health with the 30 Day Bladder Fix Pelvic Floor Strengthening DVD. Developed by a rehab clinician from the popular PBS TV series, Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews, and backed by research, this comprehensive exercise program helps you to stop urinary incontinence naturally and safely.
Get ready to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles from the comfort of your own home – all you need is a chair and bed, no need to get on the floor! Get results in as little as 30 days with this one-of-a-kind program that was featured in Prevention Magazine and My Menopause Magazine.
Leave a comment and tell us what you think