A hush hush topic… should I discuss or not?
Loss of bladder control, a common and often embarrassing problem.
Urine leaks as you cough, sneeze, laugh or during exercising or lifting something heavy. Urinary incontinence, in medical terms.
What should I do?
Whom should I consult?
Talk to an expert Women’s Health Physiotherapist.
How do they treat?
Practice pelvic floor exercises under supervision of a Physiotherapist
Electrotherapy by an expert Women’s health Physiotherapist
Why is it common in women?
- Normal female anatomy
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and the increased weight of the foetus.
- Childbirth: Normal (Vaginal) delivery can weaken muscles needed for bladder control and damage bladder nerves and supportive tissue. It leads to a dropped (prolapsed) pelvic floor. As a result, the bladder, uterus, rectum or small intestine can get pushed down from the usual position and protrude into the vagina.
- Menopause. After menopause, women produce less oestrogen, a hormone that helps keep the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy.
- Aging of bladder muscle: It can decrease the bladder’s capacity to store urine.
What should I avoid?
- Alcohol, Aerated drinks, Caffeine and Artificial sweeteners
- Spicy or acidic foods
- Heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants
- Large doses of vitamin C
Do not ignore, it can impact your personal and social life.
- Limitations on your activities and social interaction
- Adversely affects your quality of life.
- Increase the risk of falls in older adults as they rush to the toilet
– Mrs. Varsha Vartak
Rehab Station, Pune