 |
If you’ve watched much television, you have likely seen the ads
for “bladder control” products. That should let you know that, if
you have a bladder control problem, you’re not alone. According
to the National Institute on Aging, at least 1 in 10 people age
65 or older have urinary incontinence. It’s more common among
women, and symptoms can range from mild leaking to uncontrollable
wetting.
While aging itself does not cause incontinence, some of the
conditions we experience as a result of getting older can lead to
or worsen incontinence. For example, if you have severe arthritis
or another condition that makes it difficult to move quickly, you
may occasionally “leak” simply because you can’t get to the
bathroom in time. Or, if you just can’t seem to “hold it,” it may
be due to diabetes, Parkinson’s or another disease. An enlarged
prostate can prevent a man from emptying his bladder completely –
causing it to “overflow” later. And many women – of all ages –
experience urinary leaks during exercise, while laughing,
lifting, coughing or sneezing.
In other words, urinary incontinence is nothing unusual and
nothing to be embarrassed about. It is something you need to take
care of, though. Depending on the cause, incontinence can be
cured or at least treated and controlled. First, you need to see
your doctor. You can expect him or her to do a few of the
following in order to determine the type and severity of your
incontinence:
 |
Conduct a physical exam. |
|
Compile a medical history. |
|
Ask about your symptoms. |
|
Ask what medications you’re taking. |
|
Ask if you’ve been sick or had any procedures done recently. |
|
Order urine and/or blood tests. |
|
Conduct tests that measure how well you empty your bladder. |
|
Ask you to keep a daily diary of when you urinate and when you leak. |
|
|
|
|
Once you and your doctor determine the type of bladder control
problem you have, you can discuss treatment options. As a general
rule, says the National Institute on Health, the simplest and
safest treatments should be tried first. There is a range of
treatments to consider:
Far from being diaper-like, the newest generation of absorbent
underclothing is not bulky and can be worn easily under your
every day clothes.
Known as “Kegels,” these exercises strengthen the muscles you use
to stop urinating, which will help you “hold it.”
If your doctor has asked you to keep a diary, you may find a
pattern of when you urinate and when you leak. If so, you can
schedule to empty your bladder before a leak happens.
are available to either relax muscles, which helps the bladder
empty more fully (when you want it to) or to tighten muscles,
which helps prevent leaks. These drugs do have side effects, so
be sure to weigh the benefits with the side effects.
can help add bulk to the area, which helps keep the urethra (the
tube that urine comes out of) closed.
is sometimes possible if your incontinence is caused by a problem
such as a change in the position of your bladder or, in men, if
the prostate is greatly enlarged and blocking the urethra.
The key is to find the solution that helps you feel more relaxed
and more comfortable. So, put any embarrassment aside and take
the steps you need to be able to move past incontinence. As a
first step, read the information on incontinence on page 92 in
your Healthwise for Life book.
|
|