Page 23 - CFPD 2019 - NOV 18 B_APPROVED

A Reason to Laugh Without Worry

Finding Solutions to Urinary Incontinence So You Can Live Stress-Free

AT SOME POINT in their lives, many people Other medical conditions and lifestyle habits can affect the form
have said, “I laughed so hard, I almost wet and function of the bladder and lead to stress incontinence: urinary tract
my pants!” As we age, however, urinary infections, diabetes, chronic bronchitis or asthma, chronic constipation,
previous pelvic surgery (such as a hysterectomy), and obesity. Contributing
incontinence is anything but a laughing matter. lifestyle factors include excess caffeine or alcohol consumption, smoking—
and therefore, frequent coughing— medications that increase urine
Stress incontinence is a type of incontinence that involves involuntary
leaking of urine from the bladder when it’s under pressure. This condition production, and high-impact exercise.
More than 60 percent of women with stress incontinence put off
can develop as the muscles that support the bladder become weaker due to discussing the condition with their doctor for a year or more, due to
the natural aging process, childbirth or certain medical conditions. embarrassment, anxiety or lack of knowledge about available treatments.
More than 15 million women in the United States have stress urinary
incontinence. A 2008 Kaiser Permanente study funded by the National Many women assume that the condition is simply something they must deal
with as part of the aging process.
Institutes of Health found that one in three women experience stress Years ago, surgeries for incontinence were more invasive and painful,
incontinence, and the percentage of affected women increases with age. involving a long recovery period. The good news is, today there are a
The study surveyed more than 4,000 women aged 25 to 84— the most variety of treatment options. More than 85 percent of female incontinence
extensive research on the subject to date. cases are treatable.
Stress incontinence occurs when pressure is placed on the abdominal area
Your doctor can help ease your symptoms with dietary recommendations,
by physical activity such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting a regimen of muscle training exercises, medication, or surgery.
a heavy object. When the muscles that hold the bladder and control the Non-surgical treatment includes lifestyle changes— limiting caffeine,
fl ow of urine don’t function properly, accidents can happen— especially if losing weight or quitting smoking— or exercises that strengthen the pelvic
the bladder is full. Stress incontinence affects more women than men, and fl oor, known as Kegel exercises. Electrical stimulation and biofeedback helps
can range from an occasional problem to a medical situation that affects your revitalize injured or tired muscles. Hormone creams can restore tissues to their
daily routine by limiting your participation in social, work or exercise activities. former thickness and renew their support capabilities.
The most common cause of female stress incontinence is damage to tissues
Bladder surgery is an option to provide support or lift the urethra back to
or nerves in the pelvic fl oor area during childbirth— which may show up a normal position, which aids in urine retention. However, newer, minimally
immediately after having a baby, or several years later, after menopause. invasive vaginal surgeries and outpatient procedures give
The condition is common among women who have multiple vaginal births women many more options than ever before.
and whose bladder, urethra or rectal wall protrude into the vaginal wall, a
condition known as pelvic prolapse.
Age-related changes in the strength and function of muscles can Gynecologist Dr. Ilan Bornstein offers a variety of
make a woman more susceptible to developing stress incontinence. At treatment options for female urinary stress incontinence.
To schedule an appointment, call 844-634-DOCS
menopause, the loss of estrogen means that the tissues of the vagina and (3627) or visit www.LakeWalesMedicalGroup.com to
urethra are more fragile. book your appointment online.
www.centralfloridahealthnews.com 2019 Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Providers Guide | 23
Member of the medical staff of the Lake Wales Medical Center. Lake Wales Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.