Female Incontinence
Did you know 50% of adult women experience involuntary leakage of urine?
The urinary system is composed of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.
- Kidneys - Remove waste products from the blood and continuously produce urine
- Ureters- Move urine from the kidneys to the bladder
- Bladder- Stores the urine
- Urethra- Carries the urine from the bladder out of the body. The Sphincter- Controls the activity of the urethra. It is not part of the urinary system but it does play a role in incontinence.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the accidental loss of urine. It can occur at any age, but most common among woman over the age of 50. Unfortunately, this problem increases with age, according to Mayo Clinic Health 75% of women over 65 report urine leakage. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
What are the different types of incontinence?
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Mixed incontinence
- Overflow incontinence
- Reflex incontinence
- Incontinence from surgery
What are the first signs of incontinence?
- Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
- Experiencing sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Waking up several times at night to urinate
- Urinating during sleep
Common causes of incontinence?
- Urinary tract infections
- Vaginal infection or irritation
- Constipation
- Weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles
What are the different types of incontinence products for women
- Diaper
- Underwear
- Pads & Liners
- Cleansing Wipes
- Booster Pads/ Doublers
- Bedding Protection
- Waterproof Covers
- Disposal Bags
What are the most popular incontinence products for women?
One of the most popular incontinence products for women are absorbent pads. These are worn inside underwear to soak up urine. This technology has a "hydrophobic" layer which draws urine away from the surface of the product to help keep your skin dry.
What are the most common types of pads?
- Liners
- Diapers
- Pull-ups
Are there medical procedures that help fix female urinary incontinence?
The type of operation recommended depends on the type of your incontinence.
- Bladder neck suspension
- Sling Procedures
- Periurethral bulking injections
- Sacral neuromodulation- Sacral nerve simulator (SNS) is a surgically implanted device that is placed under the skin in the upper buttock and is connected by wires to the sacral nerve located in the lower back. Ask your doctor if this procedure can treat your urinary incontinence.
What home remedies help female incontinence?
- Kegel exercise is helpful for treating the early stages of incontinence as well as helping strengthen the pelvic floor after surgery.
- Bladder Re-training is achieved by scheduling toileting but gradually increasing the length of time between bathroom trips.
- Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation is a technique that involves pelvic muscle exercises (PME). PME may be used alone or in conjunction with biofeedback therapy, vaginal weight training, pelvic floor stimulation, and magnetic therapy.
Can female incontinence be corrected?
- Lifestyle changes -Emptying your bladder on a regular schedule and before physical activities,
- exercises, weight loss
- Magnesium - Magnesium supports proper muscle and nerve function. Some doctors feel this vitamin can help reduce bladder spasms, which is a common cause of incontinence.
Should I avoid drinking fluids if I suffer from incontinence?
It's natural to think that if you avoid drinking fluids it will help with your incontinence. Unfortunately, that's just not the case. Not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation and it reduces your bladder's capacity which in the end make your condition worse. Stay hydrated. Being dehydrated leads to dark, concentrated urine which can cause irritation to the walls of your bladder. This irritation will cause your bladder to contract more often, and leak more urine. It is recommended to increase fluid intake of up to two liters a day.
Can I get disability for incontinence?
Incontinence can impact your ability to work. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits. For more information contact your insurance provider.