The Problem with Incontinence

The problem with incontinence

If you are a woman who grimaces when you feel a cough coming or worse…a sneeze, then you know more than anyone that incontinence is a big problem!  However, it is something that as women, we really don’t fully understand and that’s a big problem too!

Stress urinary incontinence is the most common form of incontinence in women under the age of 60.  Age alone can be a risk but what are some other risk factors?

• Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Loss of pelvic tone
• Hysterectomy
• Nerve damage
• Obesity
• Menopause
• Lung disease or smoking that causes chronic coughing
• Anatomical formations
• Continual lifting of heavy objects

There is treatment and where there is treatment, there is hope. Treatment usually begins with behavior modification such as:

• Pelvic muscle exercises
• Weight loss
• Pessaries
• Pelvic floor stimulation

Other treatments involve:

• Medication
• Injections
• Surgery.  Surgical procedures vary and great strides have been made in the recent years to increase success in treating stress urinary incontinence.  

Only your doctor can determine the best place to start in treating this problematic issue for women.  The sooner you visit with your provider, the sooner you can eliminate this discomfort in your life.