If you have sudden urges to urinate, or leaks when you do things like cough, laugh, or exercise, you’re experiencing urinary incontinence and should see a doctor. There are different causes of the condition, and once you know yours, receiving treatment and making some lifestyle changes can bring relief. Below are ways of identifying and managing your symptoms.  

Important Facts to Know About Urinary Incontinence

Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Some factors can cause urinary incontinence temporarily, such as constipation, a vaginal infection, and pregnancy. Chronic incontinence occurs for other reasons, such as childbirth through vaginal delivery, which can cause a prolapsed bladder. Another common cause is a hysterectomy, which weakens the bladder and supporting pelvic floor muscles.

Aging causes your bladder to lose its ability to store urine and leads to increased involuntary contractions, known as overactive bladder. When women go through menopause, estrogen levels decrease, which causes the bladder lining and urethra to deteriorate. Brain disorders caused by a stroke, a tumor, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis can cause loss of bladder control because of nerve signal problems.

How to Manage Urinary Incontinence

Lifestyle changes can help manage this condition. Avoiding foods and beverages that contain alcohol, sugars, caffeine, and acids shield your bladder from irritation, so you have fewer urges to go. Doing pelvic floor exercises strengthens your bladder and supporting muscles, and losing excess weight takes pressure off them. Increasing the fiber you eat prevents constipation, another common cause of urinary incontinence.

Help is available for your urinary incontinence, so you can enjoy life fully. At Midwest Urogynecology in Saint Louis, MO, Dr. John P. Judd and his medical team offer sound and practical solutions to relieve your symptoms, including overactive bladder. Using state-of-the-art equipment, these dedicated medical professionals provide advanced gynecology care with skill and compassion as they treat female patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment, fill out the form on their website now or call (314) 596-9955.