Urinary incontinence, or bladder control problems, affects many women.  This accidental leakage of urine may be a small annoyance or may be a bigger issue impacting quality of life.  Women are twice as likely to suffer urinary incontinence as men.  Women may develop urinary incontinence during pregnancy, after childbirth, with hormonal changes after menopause, or as their bladder muscles weaken with age.

Common Types of Bladder Control Problems

The following are some of the most common bladder control problems for women:

• Stress Incontinence – Movement or physical activity puts pressure on the bladder, causing leakage.  Examples include sneezing, coughing, laughing, and running.
• Urgency Incontinence – A strong urge to urinate and weak bladder muscles allow urine to leak before you can get to the bathroom.
• Mixed Incontinence – Having stress incontinence and urgency incontinence together.
• Overflow Incontinence – The bladder doesn’t empty all the way, enabling the bladder to remain too full.
• Temporary Incontinence – An illness or certain medications may cause a temporary bladder problem that eventually resolves.  Example – having a urinary tract infection.

Managing Female Bladder Incontinence

Although many women experience bladder incontinence issues, they are often reluctant to talk to their physician about it until the problem interferes with regular daily activities.  They may be too embarrassed or think the problem is just a normal part of aging.  However, the result may be that they give up activities they previously enjoyed, or decline to go places unless they know where the nearest bathroom is located.  Fortunately, treatments are available, and your primary care physician can help. 

Lifestyle changes may offer some relief.  Doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can be done at home.  Scheduling bathroom visits at set times during the day can help train the bladder to empty before it becomes too full.  Dietary and hydration adjustments can make a difference.  Try to avoid or minimize foods and beverages that irritate the bladder such as coffee, tea, other caffeinated beverages, alcohol, citrus, tomatoes, and spicy foods.  Limit fluids in the evening hours to help avoid bathroom trips overnight.  If lifestyle changes have not helped, there are prescription medications to treat overactive bladder.

Your primary care provider can make a referral to a specialist if needed.  Botox injections into the bladder muscles may help women who have urgency incontinence.  A pessary device can be worn by women with vaginal prolapse to support the urethra and prevent bladder leakage.  Sling surgery can also help support the urethra and prevent bladder leakage.

RMD Primary Care

The physicians at RMD Primary Care offer a variety of services to support women’s health.  Contact us to schedule an appointment.