What Causes Urinary Incontinence?5 min read
Caroline Hedges
Caroline Hedges is a critically acclaimed researcher, writer and serial entrepreneur.
With a knack for making the obscure plain, she is able to distill her research
in writing both fun and engaging posts.
Picture these scenarios. Your kids or grandkids are asking to go play at the park, but you are loath to go because there are no restrooms nearby. Your friends suggest a comedy night but you worry that you will laugh too hard. You used to love aerobics, but all the jumping up and down has forced you to give it up. When you get a cold, you stay home for fear of sneezing or coughing in public. The adult diaper aisle suddenly seems to be part of your weekly shopping trip.
Urinary incontinence can restrict life. It is intrusive and embarrassing and sometimes there feels like no relief in sight. But there is relief for sufferers. It may involve changing some behaviors or choosing to speak to a cosmetic doctor, but urinary incontinence can be beaten.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is used to describe a situation where a person is not able to control their bladder to stop urine leakage when doing everyday activities. Activities such as sneezing, coughing, laughing or jumping can lead to small amounts of urine escaping. Sometimes sufferers cannot make it to a bathroom in time when the urge to go comes on them.
Generally speaking, urinary incontinence is a symptom of something rather than a disease. As we age, our pelvic floor muscles weaken which can lead to leakage. While pregnancy, childbirth, and a urinary infection are know causes of urinary incontinence, other factors may contribute as well.
Can Alcohol Cause Urinary Incontinence?
It won’t cause incontinence but it can increase the need to urinate. If you suffer from urinary incontinence, then alcohol is going to make it worse. Reducing your alcohol intake should help alleviate the need to urinate as frequently, but it will not stop urinary incontinence.
Can Menopause Cause Urinary Problems?
A symptom of menopause is bladder control problems. The internal pelvic muscles weaken with age making it harder to contain urine during normal activities. Also, due to the reduction of estrogen, the lining of the urethra thins. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help reduce urinary leakage. Speak to your primary care doctor about what else you can do to help alleviate the problem.
Urinary Incontinence affects nearly a QUARTER to a THIRD of US men and women. It can affect someone emotionally by restricting their life style and self-esteem. And this condition isn't limited to older people.
- Urology Care Foundation Stats
Does Constipation Cause Urinary Incontinence?
Constipation can make urinary incontinence worse. A full bowel can trick your body into thinking the bladder is full and cause leakage. The bowel presses on the bladder which can make the urge to pee stronger and cause accidents. Eating a diet full of fiber and drinking lots of water can help ease constipation.
Does too Much Caffeine Make You Incontinent?
Caffeine is a diuretic which means you will need to go to the toilet more often. If you struggle with urinary incontinence this can cause problems for you, especially if you are out and about. Cutting out caffeine will help in the long run.
Can a Hysterectomy Cause UI?
It isn’t a common direct result of having a hysterectomy, but women may struggle with stress urinary incontinence because of issues like a weakening of pelvic floor muscles. If you are experiencing urinary incontinence after a hysterectomy, consult your doctor.
Can Cancer Cause UI?
Some cancers will affect bladder issues – particularly cancers that affect the bladder, kidney, colon and pelvic area. Urinary infections are very common and the incontinence may only be a temporary symptom during treatment. Drink lots of water to avoid infections and if concerned about any symptoms, a call with your doctor is highly recommended.
How Can I Stop UI?
Nonsurgical UI Treatment
Make lifestyle changes by cutting out caffeine, alcohol and smoking. As can making changes to your exercise routines. Some medications increase urinary incontinence so speaking to your doctor about switching medications may help too.
Practice your kegels! Improving your pelvic floor muscles will reduce accidents and the need to pee when doing physical activity.
Add more fiber to your diet and drink lots of water. Reduce the amount of citrus fruits you consume as well as chocolate and spicy foods.
Cosmetic Procedures to Treat UI
If you are suffering with stress incontinence then you may be a good candidate for a non-surgical treatment called diVa. This laser treatment is inserted into the vagina and painlessly emits pulse laser waves that remove the surface tissue. That weak tissue is replaced with rejuvenated, thicker, fuller tissue. It also helps to improve the urinary sphincter mechanism which reduces leakage when sneezing, jumping etc.
The diVa laser treatment also helps with dryness and tightens the vaginal wall. So you be able to jump on that trampoline with your kids, laugh out loud with friends, and experience enhanced intimacy.
After 2 -3 treatments, urinary incontinence should be vastly reduced. The great thing is the treatment is quick, virtually painless and there is only a short recovery period which means most patients return to work the same day.
Don't let UI hold you back!
If you’re struggling with UI and think a diVa laser treatment might be for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Phillip Chang or one of the cosmetic laser and injection nurses to explore whether you would make a good candidate.
During the stay at home order, we invite you to schedule a VIRTUAL consultation with Dr. Chang or one of the cosmetic laser and injection nurses to learn how you can stay home AND stay beautiful. Dr. Phillip Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia and an expert in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments.
Let Us Help You!
Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we provide.
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