Make a list of your 10 closest female friends. If they're like most women in the U.S:
• Between one and two of them have an overactive bladder.
• Five of them likely have had a urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Five of them have some degree of urinary incontinence.
Didn't know? It's no wonder. Urological issues can be difficult to discuss. They can make you feel isolated and keep you from the activities you enjoy.
The first step to finding relief is talking with your health care team. Use the following facts about common bladder problems as a springboard for your discussion.
Overactive bladder occurs when the muscles that control your flow squeeze too often. This means you're often struck with a sudden, overwhelming urge to go, even if your bladder's not yet full. Doctors aren't sure what causes overactive bladder, but nerve damage may be to blame.
Medications can help your muscles relax and provide relief. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about these options. Behavioral therapies, such as timed urination or changing the amount of fluids you drink, may also be effective. Losing weight if you're overweight and quitting smoking may also relieve symptoms.
Urinary tract infections result from an invasion of disease-causing bacteria into your bladder or urethra, the tube through which urine flows out of your body. Symptoms include a more frequent urge to urinate, a burning pain when you do go and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Some women are more prone to UTIs than others. If you get more than two per year, talk with your doctor. He or she may recommend taking low doses of antibiotics to prevent them.
Urinary incontinence has become more common in recent years. Women are nearly four times as likely as men to have trouble controlling their bladders. And it's not just a problem after menopause. Younger women often leak urine when they cough, laugh or exercise.
The simplest treatment for incontinence? Kegel exercises. To do them, squeeze the muscles you'd use to stop the flow of urine. Hold for three counts. Relax for three counts. Do this exercise in sets of 10, three times a day. After six to eight weeks, stronger pelvic muscles will help prevent urine leakage. Lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight, avoiding alcohol and not lifting heavy objects may also help. Surgery is an option in some cases.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, May 2013
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