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Bladder Weakness in Women is not Necessarily a Permanent Condition

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

All too often bladder weakness in women is seen as an inevitable part of ageing. It is also considered just plain embarrassing, which causes far too many women to never bother seeking help for their symptoms. This embarrassment is unfortunate, because four out of five incontinence cases can be completely cured.

While age, childbirth and menopause are factors that increase the risk of urinary incontinence in women, these factors do not guarantee that a woman will suffer from bladder weakness. Urinary incontinence occurs in women when they cannot control their bladder, and any number of things can cause this condition. For women, pregnancy and childbirth are two of the biggest threats to continence, and other factors like surgery, infection, genetics or injury can also cause the problem.

You cannot dictate whether or not damage occurs to your pelvic floor muscles when circumstances are out of your control such as in the case of injury, genetics, surgery or childbirth. However, there are some things that you can do to stack the deck in your favor when it comes to staving off bladder weakness as you age.

If you are overweight, you are putting additional pressure on the muscles of the pelvic floor, which eventually leads to bladder weakness. So, one of the best ways to let nature work in your favor is to give it a helping hand. By eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and exercising your pelvic floor muscles regularly, you are giving yourself a fighting chance of maintaining bladder health.

Kegel exercises, which you practice when you are preparing for childbirth, are a great way to maintain strength in your pelvic floor muscles. You are exercising the same muscles that you use to stop the flow of urine mid stream, and by keeping these muscles in good shape, you are keeping the muscles that support your internal organs strong. Keeping these muscles fit not only helps your urinary health, but it helps properly support all of your internal organs.

So while bladder weakness in women may occur at some point in their lives, most of the time, with proper treatment and care, it is only a temporary condition. And as you are working to find a solution for your bladder weakness problem, there are a variety of incontinence products available, which come in many different sizes and absorbencies. Some companies, like DryForLife, even deliver them discreetly right to your front door.

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Bladder Weakness in Women More Common than you Think

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

There are many embarrassing moments caused by bladder weakness in women, and bladder incontinence is still an untouched subject. Because of the hush-hush nature of bladder incontinence, there is a lot of incorrect information floating around on the subject.

In the UK by the age of thirty-five one quarter of all women have experienced some sort of bladder weakness symptoms. Only about half of the talk to their doctors about their problem, while the rest suffer in silence. The average time that a woman waits before getting some sort of help is about fifteen years.

Bladder weakness in women can occur for many different reasons with pregnancy and childbirth right at the top of the list. Obesity, constipation and nerve damage can also cause the problem, and menopause can be a culprit as well. Frequently women who suffer from bladder weakness may withdraw from life a little passing up on traveling, exercising and even sex.

There are three types of bladder weakness in women, and they are as follows:

Stress incontinence, or unexpected leakage, can happen anytime undue pressure is exerted on the bladder, which can happen from coughing, laughing, exercise, sneezing or picking up something heavy.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not empty all the way, which causes urine to continually build up and dribble out as if the bladder is overflowing.

Urge incontinence presents itself with a sudden strong urge to pass urine. With urge incontinence the bladder tries to empty itself despite a woman’s attempt to restrain the flow.

One of the conditions that all three of these problems frequently share making an environment ripe for incontinence is weak pelvic floor muscles. One of the functions of these muscles is to keep the urethra closed. As they become less elastic over time the slightest amount of undue pressure like laughing or coughing can be enough to cause leakage. There is good news though. Just because these muscles are weak now, does not mean that they have to be weak forever.

There are exercises that a woman can do to help restore the vibrancy of her pelvic floor muscles, and they are called Kegel exercises. Any woman who has had a baby has heard of them, and if you have not had a baby, and you are suffering from incontinence, see your medical professional, because they can instruct you about the proper way to do your Kegel exercises.

In a nutshell, these exercises work on the same muscles that you would engage to stop the flow of urine midstream, so this can give you an idea of which muscles you would be conditioning. While it takes a while for a woman to realize the results of her pelvic floor exercises, up to six months, if she is diligent and patient she is almost guaranteed to see an improvement in her bladder weakness condition.

If you suffer from bladder weakness in women, as you are working to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, incontinence pads can free you from the worry of having accidental leakage in public. They come in many different sizes and absorbencies to deal with any problem from mild to severe and protect skin, clothing and furniture. DryForLife supplies incontinence pads, which may be ordered online and delivered discreetly right to your front door.

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Bladder Problems in Men

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

A study conducted earlier this year was designed to research an important issue with bladder problems and men’s health. The study was conducted by a team at San Diego Medical Center in California. Along with the medical advances in the last decade men’s overall health care has improved, which is offering men increased longevity. Along with this longer life span, however, come problems, some of which have surprising side effects.

The San Diego Medical Center study measured whether elderly men with severe bladder problems have a higher risk of suffering a debilitating fall. The team studied over five thousand men over the age of 65. Of these men between five and ten percent of them had severe bladder problems. Interestingly, throughout the term of the study about a quarter of the men reported falling at least one time, and over a tenth of the men reported falling two or more times.

What the research team found is that mild bladder weakness did not significantly increase the numbers of falls that an elderly man experienced. However, when men suffered from more serious bladder problems, they were much more likely to experience a fall. The type of incontinence symptoms most commonly associated with the increased umber of falls is urgency problems.

It is in rushing to the bathroom that the increased danger of falling occurs as well as in frequent trips to the bathroom at night, in the dark. The sudden dash for the toilet has caused its fair share of injuries. Another problem that adds to the number of falls is that men who have trouble relieving themselves may try using the Valsalva maneuver. This maneuver is when a person exhales forcefully without letting of the air out, and it can cause fainting.

Frequent bathroom trips at night may leave an elderly man sleep deprived, so if they do not trip over something on the way to the bathroom at night in the dark, they still stand the risk of loosing coordination and concentration as they become more tired. Since falls can be so serious and injuries can be devastating in elderly men, bladder problems in this segment should be taken very seriously.

If you are suffering from incontinence you always want to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. And as you are working through the solution to your problem, incontinence pads can free you from the worry of having accidental leakage in public, and they may even reduce the risk of injury by eliminating the mad dash to the restroom. Incontinence comes in many different sizes and absorbencies to deal with any problem from mild to severe. They protect clothing and furniture, and they offer protection from skin irritation. DryForLife supplies incontinence pads, which may be ordered online and delivered discreetly right to your front door.

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Dietary Restrictions Can Improve Bladder Weakness

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

Incontinence can be a devastating condition, affecting young and old, women and men. When it is first experienced, it can come as a shock. Although your first instinct may be to panic, don’t! Many cases of incontinence can be controlled with a combination of self-help measures. One simple and painless remedy is to keep a log of any episodes of incontinence, then seek a causative agent. Does incontinence occur when you drink or eat something specific? Cutting these culprits out of your diet may be all that is needed to restore continence. What are some of the known contributors to bladder weakness? The following is a short list of foods that may cause or aggravate bladder weakness:

  • Alcohol- alcohol is a common culprit. This may due to a diuretic effect, or it may be due to the fact that alcohol may decrease your sensation of needing to urinate. Carbonated spirits may be worse than non-carbonated ones.
  • Caffeine- caffeine also acts as a diuretic, as many coffee drinkers will attest to. Drinking caffeinated beverages may increase the number of trips to the washroom you need to take, as well as increasing urgency. Switching to decaf may improve bladder weakness symptoms.
  • Spicy foods- spices can irritate the bladder, causing symptoms of urgency and frequency. If spicy foods seem to make your problem worse, try eliminating them for awhile and see what happens.
  • Citrus fruits- acidic foods, such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits and others can also be irritating to the bladder.
  • Artificial sweeteners- aspartame and other artificial sweeteners can be irritating for some people.

Not everyone with bladder weakness will respond to diet changes, but it is a reasonable first step for anyone who develops this common problem. Different foods affect people in different ways, so it is likely that you will have to experiment a little. Keeping a diary of foods eaten and bladder weakness symptoms can be illuminating, costs nothing and may be all that is needed to curb the problem.

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Bladder Weakness & Your Doctor’s Appointment - What to Expect

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

You have made the decision to visit your doctor to discuss your bladder weakness. You may be wondering what is in store for you during your visit. Knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect will decrease your anxiety and allow you to get the most out of your visit.

First of all, you can expect your doctor to question you extensively regarding episodes of bladder weakness, including when they occur, how often they occur, anything you have noticed that makes your bladder weakness worse or better, and when your bladder weakness started. You may also expect questions regarding the amount of fluids you consume (including caffeinated and alcoholic beverages), medications you are taking, your health history, any surgeries you have had, and whether you have any abnormal urinary symptoms such as blood in your urine.

It may be very helpful to keep a bladder (voiding) diary for at least a week before your appointment. Keeping a voiding diary will enable you to collect a lot of meaningful information to take with you to your appointment, such as when and how much you drink, and when you are most likely to experience bladder weakness. This information can help your doctor pinpoint with more accuaracy which type of incontinence you have.

In addition to asking a lot of questions, your doctor may examine you. For women, this may include a vaginal exam to check for muscle tone, as well as checking sensation of the perineum. This is done simply by asking if you can feel pressure  in the area when it is touched. For men, a prostate exam may be part of the examination, in order to determine whether the prostate is enlarged. Palpation of the abdomen may be performed to ensure that there is no abnormal enlargement of the organs.

A urinalyisis (UA) may be done to check for infection of the urinary tract. Other tests, such as an ultrasound or other specialized test, may be ordered depending on your personal circumstances, your history and your doctor’s findings. These tests may help your doctor decide on the best treatment for you.

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How is Constipation Related to Bladder Weakness?

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

Bladder weakness is often a symptom of a treatable condition. Constipation is one problem which, when treated, can lead to a resolution of bladder weakness. Constipation can be caused by not drinking enough fluids, not eating enough fibre, not getting enough exercise, stress, certain medications, some neurological conditions, pregnancy, laxative overuse and various other problems or conditions.

You may be wondering exactly how constipation can affect the bladder; in fact, the same nerves that supply the pelvis also supply the rectum, so a problem affecting one may also affect the other. In addition, hardened stool as a result of constipation can apply pressure to the urethra and bladder, causing a sense of urgency.

Improving constipation may lead to an improvement in bladder weakness. This can be accomplished by increasing water intake, eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fibre, and partaking in regular exercise. If these self-help measures are not effective in relieving constipation, you may consider consulting your doctor, who may be able to pinpoint the cause of both constipation and the resulting bladder weakness.

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Staying Silent - Women Fail to Report Bladder Weakness

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Several research studies have focused on women and their failure to report bladder weakness to their physicians. If this applies to you and your situation, you may find it interesting to know that many women choose to suffer in silence. Why? Perhaps you, like many other women, feel that the problem of bladder weakness is one that you can deal with on your own. It may be that you feel embarrassed by your condition, and the very idea of discussing the issue with your family doctor makes you cringe.

Many women also feel that bladder weakness is simply part and parcel of getting older. Although bladder weakness is more common as we age, it is not an expected “rite of passage” on the journey of aging. There are more advantages to discussing the problem with your doctor than disadvantages. Your physician has undoubtedly heard it all, and isn’t likely to be shocked by an admission of bladder weakness. Being forthright about the problem may lead to its resolution, and that may be worth a little embarrassment in the end.

While you are sorting the problem out with the aid of your physician, you will be comforted to know that there are products available to help you cope with bladder weakness. Modern bladder weakness products are designed with the active women in mind, combining comfort, discreetness and security. No matter your age or extent of bladder weakness, DryForLife has the right product for you and your budget, from light pads to undergarments that resemble regular underwear. Click here to view our full line of products.

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Kegel Exercises for Bladder Weakness

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

Kegel exercises are an important tool in maintaining the strength of pelvic floor muscles which can be weakened by pregnancy, childbirth and hormones. Your pelvic floor muscles are the muscles that support your bowels, bladder and uterus, so it is easy to see why keeping these muscles as strong as possible is important. Weakening of these muscles may result in bladder weakness.

Not sure where exactly these muscles are, let alone how to exercise them? You’re not alone; many women will admit to the same problem. To isolate your pelvic floor muscles, simply attempt to stop your urine while going to the toilet. If you can do this, you have found the right muscles. Still having trouble? Insert a finger gently into the vagina and tighten up your muscles around your finger. You will feel these muscles tense and your muscles will move upwards; when you relax these muscles, they will relax downwards. Once you are able to tense these muscles you are ready to perform Kegel exercises.

To perform Kegel exercises, simply tense your pelvic floor muscles and hold for 5 seconds, then release the muscles slowly over 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times, 3 times per day. Gradually increase the number of seconds you tense these muscles and how many “reps” you can do. Remember to breathe slowly throughout the exercises, and not to tense other muscles, such as your abdominal muscles.

It may take several weeks before you see a noticeable difference if you are practicing Kegels to improve bladder weakness. Don’t be discouraged if you do not see immediate results (Rome wasn’t built in a day!), but do set aside a time each day to perform the exercises; for example, while you are watching television or sitting at your desk.

If you would like to learn more about bladder weakness, please click here.

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How to Create Your Bladder Diary

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

A bladder diary

A bladder diary is a record of your urine output and other useful information related to your voiding habits. Making a bladder diary prior to consultation will help your physician accurately diagnose your condition. Moreover, it provides detailed insight into the severity of your bladder weakness so that a suitable and effective plan of care can be easily developed.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has an excellent sample form of a bladder diary, which can be obtained online. This diary is an hourly record with two separate sheets for day and night. Each sheet contains six columns with the following headings: Time, Drinks (which is sub-divided into two columns: What kind? and How much?), Trips to the Bathroom (subdivided into two columns: How many times? and How much urine?), Accidental Leaks, Did you feel a strong urge to urinate?, and What were you doing at the time? You are also required to include the number of incontinence pads or pants you used for the day.

Here are some helpful tips for creating your own bladder diary:

•1. The longer you fill in your diary, the better-You need to fill in the diary for at least 3 days, but it is preferable if you fill it in for an entire week.

•2. You can estimate urine amounts as small, medium, or large- For more precise measurements, ask your physician for a graduated pan that fits under the rim of the toilet, making it easy to measure your urine.

•3. It is important to indicate when/how often you change your absorbent pad or pants, or your clothing.

•4. Don’t forget to describe your health and general well-being. For example, make note if you have pain, fever, or any other symptoms of illness- Remember that the more details you provide, the more accurate your diagnosis is likely to be.

•5. If you are a woman, never start your diary during your menstrual period, as you may change more frequently than you normally would.

A bladder diary can be a very useful tool in exploring the issue of incontinence, especially when done at a high level of compliance. The information obtained from your bladder diary can help your doctor determine the cause of your incontinence, as well as decide upon the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

If you would like more information about incontinence, feel free to download our free DryForLife Guide to Living With Incontinence.

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Problems Associated with Bladder Weakness

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Bladder weakness affects millions of people worldwide, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be an inevitability for anyone, Bno matter their age. It is a curable condition in many cases. Left untreated, bladder weakness can affect people in several ways, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Although the physical discomfort of bladder weakness is not to be downplayed, the social and emotional cost of incontinence is high. For those who suffer from incontinence, the fear of their secret being discovered in public can literally prevent sufferers from enjoying the social aspects of their lives. This can lead to depression and feelings of low self-esteem. Personal relationships may also suffer.

Symptoms of bladder weakness are usually easy to identify, and may include constant leakage of urine, leakage of urine during activities which exert pressure on the bladder, or an overwhelming urge to urinate followed by leakage of urine. Should any of these symptoms occur, a visit to the doctor is in order.

For more information regarding bladder weakness, or to read the full version of this article, please visit www.dryforlife.co.uk to view the full article, or feel free to download our DryForLife Guide to Living With Incontinence.

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