Troubled by Incontinence?
It isn't just the elderly who struggle with bladder
incontinence. Anyone can develop bladder problems, leading to
embarrassing leaks that can confine many people to their homes
in fear of public embarrassment. Children with emotional
disorders or hereditary conditions often struggle with its
symptoms. Women who are pregnant or who have had multiple
pregnancies likewise may experience it. Athletes who run
frequently and intensively may develop a sensitive bladder. Yet,
there are things you can do to manage this problem and enjoy
freedom of movement once again.
1. Get a medical diagnosis. Your doctor can order tests to
find out what is causing your bladder leakage. It may be a
problem that can be corrected by surgery. Find out how serious
your problem is, the long-term prognosis, and any options that
may exist with respect to having surgery. Also, ask about
possible surgical and anesthesia-related risks.
2. Better yet, you may be able to improve your bladder's
ability to retain fluid by practicing Kegel exercises that
strengthen the bladder walls and pelvic floor. Many people,
especially women, report success from practicing these
exercises. Even if your bladder improvement is just temporary,
you can do the Kegel exercises again later if the condition
should return.
3. Some people may be eligible to take medication to improve
bladder control. This works well with younger patients for those
with few additional health problems. Find out if you are
eligible to try it by asking your doctor.
4. Stop drinking fluids after 6 p.m. Those who drink less fluid
in the evening may experience less leakage overnight. The same
holds true for the daytime; if you plan to go out, don't drink
as much before leaving the house so you won't have as great a
need to void or experience fluid leaking while running errands
or driving your car. When you plan to get most of your fluid
intake, try to be at home around those times to avoid possible
schedule disruptions or unpleasant surprises.
5. Wear special padding as needed. Incontinence pads and
products are available from drugstores, pharmacies, and
supermarkets. Wear a pad anytime that you feel prone to leakage,
whether at home or in public.
Ask your doctor what you can do to improve your bladder's
condition. Some foods may be helpful in helping to eliminate
excess fluid or strengthening the bladder walls. Shedding extra
pounds will take some of the pressure off your bladder, and you
may need to change the way you exercise to put less stress on
this vital organ, and thereby relieve some of the pressure that
causes leaking. Browse websites dedicated to this topic to learn
more about how to keep your bladder healthy and which products
are best able to help you do that. Your doctor will be able to
provide guidance toward good sources of information and
appropriate medical support. Don't suffer in silence anymore.
Get the help you need to regain your confidence and composure.