It’s embarrassing and uncomfortable but no woman should stress over urinary incontinence because every woman goes through it at one point in her life. You might feel as if you’ve reverted back to childhood, to a time when you couldn’t control your bladder, but rest assured this is normal – even though it doesn’t feel as if it should be. Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN is here to help and to start, let’s talk about urinary incontinence and what causes it.
Urinary Incontinence Causes
Urinary incontinence is a fancy term for losing bladder control. You might urinate a little when you cough or laugh or you might suddenly have to urinate so badly that you can’t make it to the toilet in time. This happens to both women and men (although it’s more common in women) as they age and it can be caused by many different things. Some common causes of urinary incontinence include
- Physical ailments such as constipation and a urinary tract infection
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy and menopause
- Childbirth that weakens bladder control muscles
- An enlarged or cancerous prostate in men
- An obstruction, such as bladder stones or a bladder tumor
- Neurological illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- A hysterectomy in women
These aren’t the only things that can cause urinary incontinence. Certain foods and drinks also create sudden urges to pee. These include alcohol, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, carbonated beverages, chocolate, medications, spicy or citrusy foods and excessive vitamin C intake. This is why it’s wise to speak with your doctor if you suffer from urinary incontinence to determine the exact cause.
Risk Factors
Some people are more prone to urinary incontinence than others are. As mentioned above, women often suffer from the condition more than men do. Age is also a factor, as the older you get the harder it is to control involuntary urination. Overweight people tend to suffer more from urinary incontinence as do those who smoke or have a family history of the condition.
You can do things, however, to help control your own urinary incontinence. This includes avoiding the foods and beverages mentioned above, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation, tossing those cigarettes in the trash, and performing daily pelvic exercises to strengthen the muscles that help control urination.
If you are suffering from urinary incontinence or are concerned you may be prone to it, call Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN at 770-474-1919 to set up an appointment with one of our specialists. We are located in Stockbridge, GA, and treat urinary incontinence.
