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
762

Theme picker


 

 

 

COVID-19 in Pets

News of COVID-19 spreading to animals is causing understandable concern for pet owners, especially those who love their pets like family. While the virus is thought to have originated in animals, there is currently no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to humans. There is some evidence that people can spread it to their pets and pets can spread it to each other.

The good news is that the risk of spreading COVID-19 to pets still seems relatively low. Only a handful of confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified in animals worldwide. Nonetheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with their veterinary colleagues to learn more. In the meantime, it makes sense to adapt the people-centered recommendations for our furry friends.

Here's a pet-specific refresher to help further decrease the already low odds that your pet will become infected.

  • Just like people, cats and dogs should decrease their movement outside the home. So if you usually let your dog or cat roam in ways that could bring them into contact with other people or animals, it would be best to discontinue that practice for as long as human restrictions are in place.
  • When you take your dog for a walk, keep him or her leashed and keep at least 6 feet from others whenever possible. (Dogs cannot wear masks comfortably as humans can, so remaining distant is even more important for them.)
  • If someone in the house is ill, they should be isolated from both other people and animals in a "sick room," if possible. The ill person should wear a mask when near the pet and others and avoid direct contact, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, sleeping in the same location, and sharing food or bedding.
  • To keep pets and themselves safe, people should wash their hands before and after handling or caring for their pets, just as they would after having come in contact with another person or a surface that a person could have touched.
  • If your pet becomes ill with COVID-19 symptoms—including coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, lethargy, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever—call your veterinarian, who will advise regarding testing and care and determine whether your state's public health veterinarian should be notified.

More information about protecting your pets from COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html.

Donna Barron, RN, is the infection preventionist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

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