Urinary Incontinence in women

 

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?

1.          Alcohol, Aerated drinks, Caffeine and Artificial sweeteners
2.          Spicy or acidic foods
3.          Heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants
4.          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

 S