What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can be a result of many things, including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and even something as simple as coughing or sneezing. For some women, it’s a minor annoyance. But for others, it can be a significant problem that affects their quality of life.
Types of urinary incontinence
There are two main types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence is when urine leaks out during activities like coughing or sneezing. Urge incontinence is when you have a strong, sudden urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage of urine.
Managing urinary incontinence
If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence, there are a few things you can do to help manage it. First, try to identify what’s triggering your incontinence. If it’s stress-related, then avoiding activities that trigger it can help. For example, if coughing makes you leak urine, then try to avoid situations where you’ll be coughing (like smoking).
If urge incontinence is the problem, there are a few things you can do to help control those sudden urges. One is to try and empty your bladder completely before leaving the house. That way, you’re less likely to have an accident if you’re away from home and can’t get to a bathroom right away. Another option is medication. There are several medications available that can help control urinary urgency and reduce incontinence episodes. Pelvic floor muscle exercises done daily can strengthen the muscles around the bladder, which can help prevent leakage during activities like coughing and sneezing.
Call the office of Dr. Craig Ranch to learn more about incontinence treatment options
If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s causing it and come up with a plan to manage it. With the right treatment, you can minimize or even eliminate your urinary incontinence symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life. Call Dr. Craig Ranch and his team at 214-544-6600 for a consultation appointment.
