Is Incontinence Normal?
Over 60% of women in the US alone, which is about 78 million women, suffer from incontinence that leaves a huge impact on their lives. Despite its prevalence, incontinence and women's pelvic floor health issues are still under-discussed, leaving many women without proper support or treatment options
Understanding the reasons for incontinence, recognizing early warning symptoms, and learning management strategies—from lifestyle changes and physical therapy to medicinal interventions—are all steps that can help you treat incontinence. This article will help you learn about the link between incontinence and pelvic health as well as tips on how women can reclaim control and improve their general well-being.
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What is a Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is made up of a basket of muscles that run between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone. They provide a strong foundation for vital organs in the pelvis. These muscles help to protect the bladder and colon, and in women, they also support the uterus and the vagina.
Muscular bands known as sphincters surround the urethra, vagina, and anus. When these muscles contract, they lift and support the internal organs, while the sphincters block the openings to the vagina, anus, and urethra. Relaxing the pelvic floor enables for the easy movement of urine and stool.
These muscles play an important part in sexual function, allowing for more pleasurable and rewarding experiences through synchronized relaxation and contraction. Pelvic floor health is the core of a woman’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
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Types of Incontinence
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Urinary incontinence is a complex disorder that affects women differently and has unique symptoms and causes. Let's take a closer look at the types of incontinence.
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Stress incontinence occurs when urine escapes during actions that put a strain on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This loosening is usually caused by weakening pelvic muscles or the urethral sphincter due to childbirth, surgery, or aging.
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Urge incontinence (or urgency incontinence) is defined by a sudden, urgent need to urinate, which frequently results in involuntary leakage. It can be caused by bladder muscle overactivity or neurological problems.
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Mixed incontinence includes symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence.
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Overflow incontinence, also known as persistent urine retention, occurs when the bladder fails to empty completely. It causes recurrent dribbling or leaks due to blockages, weakening muscles, or nerve damage.
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Total incontinence is a more severe condition in which the bladder is unable to hold urine at all, resulting in persistent leaking.
Causes of Incontinence
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Having looked at the symptoms of incontinence, let's explore the reasons behind incontinence.
Pelvic Floor Weakness Due to Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pelvic floor health is influenced by a variety of factors that might weaken supporting muscles and cause incontinence.
Pregnancy and childbirth put a strain on these muscles, with vaginal delivery frequently resulting in permanent extension. Furthermore, pregnancy hormones such as relaxin and progesterone soften the pelvic tissue to aid childbirth and may also cause leakage during this time.
Aging and Menopause
Aging also lowers the muscular tone, and menopause lowers estrogen levels along with collagen, weakening bladder and urethral tissues. This results in reduced ability for the body to hold in urine leading to a frequent urge to urinate.​
Lifestyle Factors and Physical Strain
Lifestyle habits and dietary intake, such as certain foods and drugs, serve as diuretics, boosting urine production while irritating the bladder. High-impact activities like jogging and jumping can also weaken the bladder.
​Surgical Interventions
Surgery such as hysterectomies or prostate treatments might damage the pelvic floor, increasing the risk of incontinence. Damage to structures associated with the pelvic floor causes increased chances of incontinence.​
Temporary Conditions and Infections
Obesity, chronic constipation, persistent coughing, and UTIs can also result in temporary incontinence, bringing about constant bathroom visits. However, most of these are short-term issues and can be dealt with medically.​
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Effects of Incontinence on Daily Life
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Pelvic floor dysfunction can have a variety of consequences, including impaired bladder control, bowel motions, intimacy, and general quality of life. Weak pelvic floor muscles frequently result in bladder control loss, causing urine incontinence, a condition twice as common in women than in men. Some people have fecal incontinence, which means they can't regulate their gas or bowel motions.
Sexual issues are another common effect since weakening muscles can diminish vaginal feeling, making intercourse less pleasurable. When the pelvic floor muscles are weak but stiff, it can cause uncomfortable intercourse or vulvar pain. Many women are concerned about vaginal tone, with some research indicating that a considerable percentage worry about a lack of feeling or control during intercourse due to weak pelvic muscles.
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A weakening pelvic floor can also cause the internal organs it supports, such as the bladder and uterus, to shift out of position and descend into the vagina, resulting in pelvic organ prolapse. Symptoms of prolapse often include a noticeable vaginal bulge, pain, and a deep, persistent pelvic ache. This condition not only causes physical discomfort but also undermines a women's confidence and self-esteem. Women facing these challenges may be concerned about physical changes in their bodies, which can have an impact on their sexual and emotional well-being.
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Aside from these physical effects, chronic urine incontinence can cause skin issues such as rashes, infections, or ulcers as a result of the continual dampness. In addition, women who suffer incontinence are more likely to get recurring urinary tract infections. The effects extend into daily life, influencing social, professional, and personal relationships, as women may become worried or self-conscious, avoiding social situations or intimacy for fear of an accident.
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These effects make pelvic floor health critical not only for physical function but also for emotional well-being and satisfying relationships.
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Treatment of Incontinence
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Urinary incontinence can be treated using a variety of treatments, with pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) being particularly useful for stress and urge incontinence.
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Kegels​
Kegel exercise is the number one recommended treatment for incontinence and a weak pelvic floor. Kegels are an exercise that strengthens the pelvic muscles, improving bladder function and providing a non-invasive solution to incontinence. Biofeedback therapy, which uses sensors to increase awareness and control over pelvic floor muscles, can improve the efficacy of manual Kegels and other exercises.​
Kegels Using Electrical stimulation​
Electrodes are placed into the vagina or rectum to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Gentle electrical stimulation can help with stress and urge incontinence. Consistent exercise is the key to superior results. Kegels using EMS do not require any effort on the part of the patient as the device does the work for them.​
Bladder Training​
Another effective treatment is bladder training, which teaches the bladder to retain pee for more extended periods of time and gradually increases the time between bathroom sessions. This is especially beneficial for women with urge incontinence. The ability to hold on just a little longer can make all the difference. There are many methods for this, but some involve a mantra of encouragement and a countdown in seconds that you hold on for.​
Lifestyle Changes​
Lifestyle adjustments such as limiting coffee, alcohol, and carbonation, as well as remaining hydrated, can also help relieve symptoms by lowering bladder irritation. People with functional incontinence benefit from scheduled bathroom trips since they help to prevent abrupt urges.​
Maintaining Healthy Weight​
Maintaining a healthy weight is another preventive measure that lowers bladder pressure, which helps with stress incontinence.​
Medications​
Medications are available in pharmacies for women having overactive bladder, which causes an intense urge to urinate. These medicines are also suitable for women who suffer from urine leaks apart from having an overactive bladder. This is known as mixed incontinence.​
Medical Incontinence Devices​
Pessaries or urethral inserts might offer additional support, particularly for stress incontinence. These help by either soaking the leaked urine or by strengthening your pelvic floor.​
Surgical Alternatives​
In severe cases, surgical alternatives such as sling surgery or bladder neck suspension can help maintain bladder control and provide a long-term solution. These provide a solution by helping the body gain more control over the pelvic floor, thereby preventing urine leaks.
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Contact Your Healthcare Provider
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It is important that you speak with your healthcare provider for an appropriate treatment plan that fits your needs. Your doctor will diagnose your type of incontinence and recommend the best treatment options for you.
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Taking everything into consideration, it is essential to take the required steps on time to treat incontinence. Your pelvic floor is vital for your health and quality of life, as it controls your bladder, supports your organs, and affects your intimacy. Strengthening these muscles with specific exercises and thoughtful lifestyle changes can help prevent or manage common pelvic health problems. Prioritizing pelvic floor health now will help to guarantee that these muscles stay robust and healthy throughout life.