5 Simple Ways to Treat Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is sometimes hard to talk about, but it may help to know that it is a much more common condition than many realize. Defined by the Mayo clinic as a loss of bladder control, incontinence affects more than 25 million adult Americans to some degree.
Causes for incontinence range far and wide. For women, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are the leading reasons for developing the condition. Some of the leading causes for incontinence in men include: squeezing the bladder during physical exertion, damage to the muscle tissue surrounding the urethra, or even a blockage of the urethra causing a build-up of urine in the bladder.
Common Types of Incontinence
• Urge Incontinence– Occurs when there is a strong need to urinate but the person cannot reach a bathroom in time.
• Stress Incontinence– Occurs when a physical stressor results in incontinence. Examples can include sneezing, laughing, and even coughing.
• Mixed Incontinence– This is a combination of both urge and stress incontinence.
Simple Remedies
• Vacate Fully– Often the simplest solution is one of the best. It is important that while urinating, the bladder is fully emptied even if it means waiting longer than usual.
• Avoid Diuretics– Diuretics are chemicals that cause an increased production of urine. The two most common diuretics available are caffeine and alcohol.
• Weight Loss– Pelvic floor muscle strength is greatly reduced as a result of obesity. By losing weight, the pressure exerted on the pelvic region will be greatly reduced and help with any incontinence issues.
• Kegel Exercises– These exercises involve squeezing the pelvic muscles tightly and then relaxing in a repetitive series.
• Monitor Water Intake– Fear of incontinence can lead to a reduction of water intake. This can lead to highly concentrated urine that can aggravate the bladder. It is recommended to drink at least five to eight glasses of water per day.
The reasons for incontinence may vary widely, especially among men and women. What is important to remember is that there are simple remedies than can help control the condition regardless of gender.
