Health, Healing and Wholeness Article
November 2011
It is a subject that is not all that easy to talk about, yet it is the subject if jokes and dozens of TV advertisements – bladder control or urinary incontinence. For some it may be a minor irritation, and for others, an embarrassing problem that forces them to stay at home. If you’re one of the millions of people who struggle with the loss of bladder control, see your doctor – there a numerous ways to deal with this problem. Bladder control is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying medical or physical problem, and your doctor can help determine the cause.
Causes of episodes of incontinence include: alcohol (acts as a bladder stimulator and diuretic), caffeine (diuretic and bladder stimulant), and bladder irritants: carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, artificial sweeteners, spicy or foods with a large amount acid (such as tomatoes or pineapple); medications for heart disease or blood pressure, sedatives, or muscle relaxants. Treatable medical conditions such as urinary tract infections or constipation (the rectum and bladder share many of the same nerves; hard compacted stool - causes these nerves to be overactive and increase urinary frequency). Compacted stool can sometimes press on the bladder, and interfere with emptying the bladder.
Additional causes include changes related to aging, such as a decrease in the bladder’s ability to store urine; and pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy, all can damage pelvic floor muscles. In men, inflammation of the prostate; enlargement of the prostate or prostate cancer may cause urine loss. In both men and women suffering from bladder cancer, bladder obstruction or urinary stones may be to blame for urine leakage. Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain tumor or spinal injury can interfere with nerve signals affecting bladder control.
If you are embarrassed by having bladder control, you can manage on your own by wearing absorbent pads – carrying extra clothing, or cut back on drinking liquids. But if urine leakage has begun to affect your quality of life by limiting your activities, see your doctor. There are numerous ways to treat the condition, ranging from medication to surgical intervention.
It is not always possible to prevent the development of urine leakage problems, but several things may decrease your risk: maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, practicing pelvic floor exercises, avoiding bladder irritants, exercising, and eating more fiber to prevent constipation may all work in your favor. However, if incontinence affects your day-to-day activities, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes or medical treatment can ease your discomfort.
November blessings!
Jackie Hoover, Parish Nurse