Urinary incontinence can feel all-consuming for those who experience it. This condition can disrupt daily activities and affect your quality of life. However, there are methods for managing and treating urinary incontinence so it no longer controls your life.
At Suffolk Pelvic Medicine, serving Riverhead and Long Island, NY, we specialize in addressing the unique concerns women have with a staff of all-female urologists. We offer various treatments to help manage and improve your symptoms. Let us help you find a path to regain control and improve your daily living.
Why Do I Have Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence can result from various causes, including weakened pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. Risk factors such as age, childbirth, menopause, and obesity can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Signs and symptoms include frequent urges to urinate, leakage during physical activity, and difficulty controlling the bladder.
What Are the Different Types of Urinary Incontinence?
There are several types of urinary incontinence, each with distinct characteristics. Stress incontinence occurs when physical activities like coughing or lifting cause leakage. Urge incontinence, often linked to an overactive bladder, is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine. Mixed incontinence is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
When Should I Seek Help for Urinary Incontinence?
If urinary incontinence is interfering with your daily life, it’s time to seek help. Persistent symptoms, such as frequent leaks or sudden urges that are hard to control, warrant a consultation with a specialist. Early intervention can provide relief and improve your quality of life.
Tips for Managing Urinary Incontinence
Practice Bladder Training
Bladder training can help you regain control over your bathroom habits. This involves scheduling bathroom visits and gradually increasing the time between them. With consistent practice, this can help certain patients manage urinary incontinence and improve bladder control. Make sure bladder training is recommended and overseen by your doctor.
Manage Fluid Intake
While staying hydrated is essential, managing your fluid intake can help reduce urgency and frequency. Try to limit beverages that irritate the bladder, such as caffeine and alcohol, and distribute your fluid intake evenly throughout the day.
Adjust Your Diet
Certain foods can exacerbate urinary incontinence. Try avoiding spicy foods, citrus fruits, and artificial sweeteners that may irritate the bladder. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fiber to prevent constipation, which can pressure the bladder.
Manage Your Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the pressure on your bladder. Excess weight can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, contributing to incontinence. Incorporate regular exercise and a balanced diet to help manage your weight effectively, and seek help for weight loss if needed.
How to Manage Urinary Incontinence
While treatments can significantly reduce or even resolve urinary incontinence, there are steps you can take to make everyday management easier as you wait for or undergo treatment. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate daily life.
Exercise and Physical Activity
With stress incontinence, it is best to avoid certain activities that cause leakage, such as jumping. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga strengthen your overall body without putting undue pressure on your bladder. Always empty your bladder before exercising to minimize the risk of leaks.
Clothing and Hygiene
Choosing the right clothing can make managing urinary incontinence more comfortable. Opt for absorbent underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes that can irritate the bladder. Keep a hygiene kit with you, including wipes and extra pads, to feel fresh and confident throughout the day.
Home Modifications
Making small changes at home can ease the management of urinary incontinence. Ensure easy access to the bathroom by removing obstacles and considering bedside commodes if necessary. Waterproof mattress covers and absorbent chair pads can also help maintain cleanliness and comfort.
Stress Management
Stress can exacerbate urinary incontinence symptoms. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine to reduce stress levels. A calm mind can positively impact bladder control.
Managing Travel and Social Activities
Traveling and socializing with urinary incontinence requires some planning. Identify restrooms along your route and carry a discreet bag with extra pads and clothing. Inform close friends or family about your condition so they can provide support if needed.
What Are Your Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence?
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Engaging in pelvic floor strengthening exercises can help you manage and treat urinary incontinence. It is important to work with a doctor or physical therapist who can guide you to the best exercises for your condition and train you on the proper technique. Staying consistent with these exercises can help you achieve better bladder control over time.
Medications
There are various medications available to help manage urinary incontinence. These medications can work by relaxing the bladder or increasing its capacity to hold urine. Discuss with your doctor to understand the best options for your needs and how they can fit into your overall treatment plan.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatments
Vaginal rejuvenation treatments such as Viora offer a non-invasive solution for pelvic floor strengthening. These treatments can improve muscle tone, enhance bladder control, and tighten and rejuvenate tissues in the vagina through the use of radiofrequency energy.
Bulkamid®
Bulkamid provides a urinary incontinence treatment through the injection of a gel to support the urethra. This method can offer considerable relief from symptoms, serving as a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. It’s an option worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Axonics® Stimulator Therapy
Axonics Stimulator Therapy is an innovative bladder control treatment that involves the use of a small device to stimulate the nerves controlling the bladder. This therapy can help manage overactive bladder symptoms, providing a viable and long-term option for those who have not found relief through other treatments.
Surgery
For individuals with severe urinary incontinence, surgical options may be the best route. Procedures such as sling surgeries or bladder neck suspension can provide long-term relief. It’s important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits, helping you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Take Back Control With Urinary Incontinence Treatments
Effective management and treatment can help you regain control and improve your quality of life. At Suffolk Pelvic Medicine, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for women in Riverhead and Long Island, NY. If you’re ready to explore your treatment options, contact us through our online form to schedule a consultation or call (631) 405-0898.
