November is National Bladder Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on bladder conditions, including urinary incontinence, a problem that affects more than 25 million adults in the United States. While it may seem sensitive, you don’t have to suffer in silence.
At Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville, Daniel McDyer, MD, and Julian Stephen Suhrer, MD, offer comprehensive solutions to help you live a more comfortable and confident life. We specialize in compassionate, patient-focused women’s health care, including expert diagnosis and treatment for urinary incontinence.
Despite being more common in women over 50, incontinence isn’t an inevitable consequence of aging. Let’s learn more about what causes bladder leaks and how to conquer urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence interferes with your ability to control your bladder. You may find yourself constantly planning your day around bathroom breaks, feeling anxious about social situations, or experiencing discomfort or embarrassment. A range of factors can contribute to urinary incontinence, including:
Our pelvic floor muscles weaken as we age, making it more difficult to hold in urine, especially when coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This problem is partially due to the decrease in estrogen that occurs during menopause, which can lead to thinning and weakening of the tissues surrounding the bladder and urethra.
Pregnancy and childbirth can put even more strain on the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of developing urinary incontinence during pregnancy or later in life. Weak pelvic floor muscles may also contribute to overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), a condition that causes a frequent urge to urinate and often incontinence.
Urinary incontinence can be a side effect of some medications. This issue is especially true of medicines that relax the bladder and urethra, such as muscle relaxants, sedatives, or antihistamines.
Illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can damage the muscles and nerves that control the bladder, which may result in a frequent urge to go or leakage issues.
We understand that urinary incontinence may be uncomfortable to talk about. However, if you’re experiencing frequent urges to urinate or bladder leaks, don’t hesitate to bring it up with Dr. McDyer and Dr. Suhrer. Mild cases often respond well to conservative treatments and lifestyle changes, including:
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help you regain bladder control and minimize leaks. Kegel exercises are a simple and effective way to target these muscles. To perform Kegels, imagine trying to stop urine flow or holding in gas. Tighten and hold for three to five seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 to 15 times, three or more times per day.
Certain foods and beverages may contribute to bladder discomfort and exacerbate urinary incontinence. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods can help to reduce bladder irritation and that constant urge to go.
Establishing a regular bathroom schedule can help retrain your bladder and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Start by setting a timer and going to the bathroom at the same time each day. Gradually increase the time between bathroom breaks as your bladder strengthens.
Dr. McDyer and Dr. Suhrer may also prescribe medications to treat overactive bladder syndrome or irritation. In severe cases of urinary incontinence, surgery may be necessary to repair the pelvic floor muscles or support the bladder or urethra.
Is it time to get help for urinary incontinence? Don’t let the fear of bladder leaks hold you back any longer. Schedule your consultation today by calling Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville or make an appointment online.
