Bladder Leakage
Some Facts About Bladder Leakage
An issue that beleaguers almost all women is that of bladder leakage. Embarrassing, frustrating and inconvenient are just a few of the feelings that this condition elicits. Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon that can help to diminish and even eliminate this problem.
Bladder leakage can be attributed to several different types of problems. Stress incontinence, temporary incontinence, urge incontinence, functional incontinence, mixed incontinence and an overactive bladder are all types of leakage that can occur, and in order to effectively treat the disorder, a doctor will need to determine which type is affecting you.
There is nothing more mortifying than to be gyrating on a dance floor or involved in an aerobic class when you feel it: the unmistakable feeling of urine leaking. And you just used the restroom shortly before the activity began. These actions, along with sneezing, coughing and laughing, that results in bladder leakage are indications that you have stress incontinence; the most common type. The cause of stress incontinence is weak pelvic floor muscles; the muscles that normally anticipate and protect the bladder from being pushed upon and leaking urine. Weakness of these muscles occurs from pregnancy and childbirth, but does not have to be permanent. Strengthening these muscles by practicing Kegel muscles, losing weight, timing bathroom visits, and scheduling convenient times for drinking fluids should relieve bladder leakage within 6 to 8 weeks.
Temporary incontinence is generally caused by a urinary infection, which will go away when the infection does, so no treatment or exercise is necessary.
When a powerful urge to urinate is followed by a weak stream, urge incontinence is the cause. It is generally the result of a medical condition damaging the nerves, such as diabetes or a stroke.
Functional incontinence is a type of bladder leakage that occurs when a physical disability keeps an individual from getting to the bathroom in time.
There are those who suffer from both stress and urge incontinence, resulting in the condition of mixed incontinence. A device called a pessary, or plastic ring, may be inserted into the vagina for support of the bladder. Surgery may also be recommended to suspend the bladder in prolonged cases.
When the urge to urinate occurs more than 8 times each day, as well as two or three times during the evening, you most likely have an overactive bladder. Medicine that calms nerves and muscles may be prescribed to ease this ailment.
An open and frank discussion with your doctor is needed to diagnose your specific problem so that steps can be taken to begin treatment. While it is an embarrassing issue for many women, knowing others also experience the problem should comfort, and knowing that the problem can be fixed should provide encouraging relief.