Page 133 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: WOMEN’S PROBLEMS 131

Poor bladder control

Many women suffer from poor bladder control. If you have a condition called stress incontinence, for example,
you may leak small amounts of urine when you cough, sneeze, exercise, or lift something heavy. This can be
due to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles (which support your bladder, uterus, and rectum) and is common
in women who have had children. Other causes of stress incontinence include constipation, bladder
infections, hormonal changes after menopause, and some drugs (such as diuretics). Some women have a
problem called urge incontinence, which causes sudden urges to urinate or a large leakage without warning.
This condition is sometimes due to a disorder that affects the nerves controlling the bladder.

See also Constipation, p.115; Cystitis, opposite page.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
Kegel exercises can be done anywhere,
● You have large leakages of urine
sitting or standing. It may take up to 12 weeks for
● You are also thirsty and drinking a lot of fluid
you to benefit, and you will need to keep doing them
● You leak urine without warning, or can’t get
to prevent symptoms from recurring.
to the toilet fast enough
● You are taking a prescribed medicine that ● Tighten and release your pelvic floor muscles: these
may be causing poor bladder control are the muscles you use to stop urinating midstream.
● Squeeze the muscles, hold for a few seconds, then
relax slowly. Repeat several times. Gradually build
up to 10 squeezes, taking 10 seconds for each and
What you can do yourself resting for about 4 seconds between squeezes.
● Do the exercises regularly throughout every day
There are several steps you can take to improve until they become second nature.
bladder control if you have stress incontinence,
or to supplement treatment from your doctor.
● Drink 6–8 glasses of fluid a day so that your urine
PREVENTION
doesn’t become too concentrated, but don’t drink
too much in a short time since this may cause leaks.
Bladder care Over time, these measures will
● Try to lengthen the periods between urinating to reduce pressure and irritation affecting your bladder.
gradually improve the capacity of your bladder. Take ● Try to lose any excess weight.
your time on the toilet so your bladder empties ● Eat plenty of fiber to prevent constipation.
completely. Empty your bladder before going to bed. ● Stop smoking. Nicotine irritates the bladder, and
smoke can make you cough and strain your muscles.
● Cut down on tea, coffee, cola, and alcohol; they
may cause a sudden and/or uncontrollable urge to
urinate. Avoid carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and
juices, and spicy foods; they may irritate your bladder.
Seek further medical advice
● Do Kegel exercises every day (see PRACTICAL
TECHNIQUE, right). Arrange to see your doctor if:
● If you leak urine during activities such as running ● Incontinence gets worse
or aerobics, insert a tampon just beforehand to ● You see little or no improvement in your
help support the bladder. Remove it promptly bladder control after 4–6 weeks
afterward. Use only as an occasional measure. ● You develop other symptoms