About Incontinence
Get everything you need to know about urinary incontinence in The Accidental Sisterhood book featured at The Sisterhood Health Forum! Here’s an overview to get you started.
Incontinence is the accidental release of urine that often occurs with a cough, laugh or sneeze. Many women can also experience sudden urges to go to the bathroom and can’t get there in time. This is commonly referred to as overactive bladder (OAB). Incontinence is usually a problem with the pelvic floor muscles and nerves that regulate bladder control.
There are three common types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress Incontinence happens as a result of increased abdominal pressure, like coughing, sneezing, exercise, laughing or walking. Women commonly experience this after childbirth.
- Urge Incontinence, also known as OAB, is urinary leakage due to a sudden bladder contraction. This is the sensation that you can’t make it to the restroom in time.
- Mixed Incontinence is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence, probably the most common form doctors see.
Causes
There are a number of causes for urinary incontinence, although its exact cause can’t always be determined with each person. In many cases weakness in the pelvic floor is inherited through generations. A few common reasons include:
- Childbirth, weight gain or any conditions that stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles
- Over-activity of the bladder, which may be due to bladder irritants such as caffeine or spicy food, emotional stress or neurological problems
- Menopause can also contribute to the problem
Treatment
All of the many treatments for incontinence are detailed in The Accidental Sisterhood book and at The Sisterhood Health Forums. Treatments include both non-surgical and surgical options.
For Stress Incontinence, possible treatments include:
- Pelvic muscle rehabilitation, including the comprehensive program of six exercises featured in The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan.
- A pessary — a small ring that is inserted into the vagina — can provide relief from stress incontinence.
For OAB, urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence, possible treatments include:
- Pelvic muscle rehabilitation, including the comprehensive program of six exercises featured in The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan.
- Medications to control those sudden bladder contractions. In addition to pill form, these medications are available in a patch.
- Pacemaker implant technology can be placed to control symptoms related to OAB when other therapies fail.
Always remember urinary incontinence and overactive bladder are not normal and you should see a health-care professional to address the problem.
An initial evaluation by your doctor should include, at a minimum, an assessment of the symptoms, a physical examination, including a pelvic exam and a urinalysis to check for blood and infection.
Prevention
A complete pelvic floor exercise program is the best way to prevent urinary incontinence, which often results from weak pelvic floor muscles and bad bladder habits. The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan details two primary types of pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and four assisting exercises to help you target all the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower abdominals. You can do your Kegels anywhere - in the car, at your desk or during sex! Learn more about how to do a correct Kegel at The Sisterhood Health Forums.
It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight, avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, and avoid smoking cigarettes.