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

Print
1869

Theme picker


 

 

 

5 Questions with the Chair of the Department of Surgery

Malcolm Paine, MD, of SVMC OB/GYN, serves as the chair of the Department of Surgery. We asked him five questions about COVID-19 and how it feels to deliver care right now.

SVMC: What would you like to share with patients at this time?
MP: First, on behalf of the Department of Surgery, I would like to acknowledge how tough it has been for our community members who have been affected by this pandemic. We see such tremendous strength in those who have been ill or lost loved ones to illness and in those who are working hard to get by without a job or while homeschooling their children. We are proud to be part of this community, whose careful social distancing efforts have prevented an unmanageable surge.

We are grateful, too, that as restrictions loosen, we can get back to seeing patients and providing care in a timely way. On the surface, the care may look or feel a little different—everyone will be wearing masks, for instance—but once we get accustomed to the changes, we hope that you will recognize the same level of personalized care we all enjoyed before COVID-19.

SVMC: What are the potential risks associated with postponing care?
MP: There are many types of surgery that can be delayed for a short time, often without any negative repercussions . However, surgery is often for situations that cause pain, and delaying the procedure can result in that pain getting worse or not getting better. Sometimes, there are situations where a minor surgery, if delayed, can turn into a more major or emergency surgery, and the patient can become very sick.

SVMC: In general, what additional precautions have been put in place to ensure that care is safe?
MP:
We are absolutely committed to the safety of our patients, staff, and the community. We know how important it is for patients to be able to know and trust that we have their safety in mind at all times. We always want to use the best science and advice from the State to guide our practices. We have put several new measures in place.

We screen all patients and advocates who come to the hospital to make sure they do not have a fever or possible symptoms of COVID-19. All staff also undergo daily screening for fever and symptoms to make sure those looking after patients are healthy. We are also testing all patients with planned surgical procedures for COVID-19. This is performed as an outpatient test at no cost to the patient and increases our confidence that we are not putting patients or staff at increased risk. Patients with a scheduled surgery are encouraged to call ahead if they are feeling unwell, and after surgery, patients will be asked to check for fever for 14 days to make sure they stay healthy.

SVMC: How would patients be notified if COVID risk increased rapidly?
MP:
There is always the chance that there may be a new "surge." In that case, a directive to stop elective procedures would likely come from the State. We may also decide, as a hospital, to stop these procedures in order to keep everyone safe. In that case, we would call the patients to let them know that their scheduled case is delayed until the risk decreases.

SVMC: How would you estimate the risk of contracting COVID-19 at the hospital right now?
MP:
We are tracking these numbers on a daily basis. With all of these safety measures in place and due to the very low numbers of cases we are seeing in this area at the present time, we estimate this risk is extremely low.

Theme picker


Theme picker


Theme picker


Our Services

PARTNERSHIP IS POWERFUL MEDICINE

A commitment to excellence and a patient-centered approach sets Southwestern Vermont Health Care apart.

 Cancer Care
 Orthopedics
 Emergency
 Maternity
 Primary Care
 ExpressCare
 Cardiology
 Rehab & Residential Care
View All Services

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker

Theme picker