You Can Regain Control

Don’t Allow Urinary Incontinence to Steal Your Confidence.

Going once? Going twice? Going to the bathroom way too often or having a hard time controlling your bladder?

You may have a condition called urinary incontinence. And you’re not alone. More than 50 percent of American seniors have struggled with urinary incontinence. The two most common types of loss of bladder control are:

  • Stress incontinence—A small amount of urine leaks out when you exercise or when you cough, sneeze, laugh or lift something heavy.
  • Urge incontinence—you have an intense urge to urinate that occurs so suddenly, you don’t have time to get to the toilet. With urge incontinence, you may also need to urinate often, including when you sleep.

The first step in treating incontinence is to see your doctor. Blood and urine tests as well as a test to measure how well you empty your bladder may be performed. In men, an enlarged prostate gland may be the cause of the problem.

The treatment for urinary incontinence is often very effective. Pelvic muscle exercises can strengthen the muscles that control urine flow. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking and drinking less caffeine can help. If these treatments don’t work, other options are available, including medications and minimally invasive surgery.

Don’t let embarrassment about urinary incontinence stop you from seeking help. Contact your doctor today.

Source: Healthwise for Life