Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Who is at Risk of Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence typically affects women more than men, because of pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. The pelvic muscles become weaker, which decreases support for both the bladder and urethra.
What You Can Do to Help Minimize Urinary Incontinence
There are several steps you can take to help minimize episodes of incontinence. You should:
- Do Kegel exercises regularly to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
- Urinate at set times to train your bladder
- Increase the time between urination by 15-minute intervals to help hold urine
- Lose weight to decrease pressure on your bladder and bladder muscles
- Avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol to help minimize symptoms
- Quit smoking to improve your overall health and decrease symptoms
- Get help if you are constipated, which can make incontinence worse
- Wear pads or protective underwear to help control leakage