Taking Control of a Leaky Bladder
Courtney Carter
/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2024

Taking Control of a Leaky Bladder

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), or the leakage of urine from the bladder, is a very common and frequently underreported problem affecting mostly women. It’s estimated that 38-55% of all women experience SUI at some point in their lives.

Caused by a weakening of the muscles in the pelvic floor, which prevent the bladder from holding in urinary whenever pressure is increased on the organ, the chances of experiencing SUI increases as person ages. Regardless of age, a person with SUI may may experience leakage when they:   

  • laugh

  • cough

  • sneeze

  • exercise

  • lift a heavy object

  • stand from a seated position

While anyone can develop SUI, there are factors that put you at greater risk. These include:

  • childbirth, especially vaginal birth

  • obesity

  • menopause

  • diabetes

  • uterine prolapse

  • surgery for prostate cancer or enlargement

  • pelvic surgery, including hysterectomy


Even though SUI is very common, it is not a normal part of aging and, more importantly, it can get better with appropriate treatment.

 Depending upon the severity of SUI, treatments can range from lifestyle changes to surgical. Common first-line treatments includes:

Weight loss: Studies have found that individuals with obesity who lose 5-10% of their body weight can achieve a 70% reduction in SUI symptoms

Pelvic floor exercises: Often referred to as Kegels, pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles that support your bladder and urinary system, and can significantly reduce—and in some cases—or eliminate symptoms of SUI.

Managing fluid intake and bathroom breaks: Keeping fluid intake at or under 64 ounces  per day—provided you’re not exercising or feeling thirsty—and taking regular bathroom breaks—every two hours—can help reduce symptoms of SUI.

Dietary changes: Certain foods and fluids are known to stimulate the bladder and may contribute to SUI. The following foods and drinks should be avoided:

  • caffeinate, this includes drinks like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some 

  • acidic juices, especially orange, grapefruit, and tomato 

  • alcohol in any form

  • carbonated beverages, sodas, or seltzers, especially those with artificial sweeteners 

Prosthetic device: Commonly made of a soft silicone, a pessary is a device that fits the vagina to support the bladder. Patients must be fitted for a pessary. A properly fitted device can be worn for days or even months.

If those measures don’t work, surgical options may be considered.

Common SUI-corrective procedures include a midurethral sling and urethral bulking options are both highly effective, minimally invasive, and can be performed without an overnight stay at the hospital.

Living with stress incontinence can be challenging. However, you don’t need to suffer in silence or embarrassment. If you’re experience symptoms of SUI, schedule an appointment with a urologist to discuss how you can regain control of your bladder and your life.

 

Anthony Donaldson, MD, is a board-certified urologist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

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Why Dental Hygiene is More Important than Ever

You may have heard that COVID-19 has inspired physicians to offer online appointments. For many health concerns, you can meet with your physician using your phone or computer and get care that is very similar to what you would have received in the office.

Regular dental check-ups and treatments, though, certainly cannot be done remotely. And the masks patients wear to prevent passing germs in other in-person medical visits cannot be worn during a dental appointment. These factors make it difficult to deliver safe dental care during this time. In fact, most dentists' offices have been closed for much of the pandemic. They will likely remain closed until we determine how to provide care safely.

Taking good care of your teeth and gums at home contributes to good oral health and good general health, too. A strong oral-health routine can help lessen the need for extensive dental care and some other types of care in the future. For all of these reasons, your at-home dental care routine is more important than ever.

Brush Twice You've likely heard the same message since grade school: brush at least twice a day. Not much, including even a pandemic, will change that. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste, and aim to spend about 2 minutes to clean your whole mouth.

Doing so decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth and limits the formation of plaque. Bacteria and plaque can build up and cause painful cavities. Skipping brushing can also lead to gum disease.

Clean Between Teeth Daily Whether you use floss, an interdental brush, an oral irrigator, or a toothpick, you should clean between your teeth every day. What method is best? Just like exercise, the best method is the one that you will consistently do.

Follow a Healthy Diet As if you needed another reason to avoid sugary beverages and snacks! The link between sugar intake and cavities is very well established. And treatments for cavities are among the most common that dentists perform. Avoiding sugar will improve your oral health and will likely make a positive impact on your overall health, as well.

These tips represent general recommendations that would be appropriate for most patients. Your dentist might have additional recommendations for you, including mouth rinses or other specific steps you can take to maintain your dental health during COVID-19 and beyond.

If you have questions, give your dentist’s office a call. Even if they are not right in the office, they will likely provide a way for you to reach out to get your questions answered.

Michael Brady, DDS, is the medical director of SVMC Dentistry.

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