Urinary Incontinence

Tamara Dickinson, RN, CURN, CCCN, BCIA-PMDB

Can urinary incontinence be prevented? Or is it just a natural part of life after having a baby? Or a normal part of aging?

Many myths surround this health concern. It’s a common misconception that incontinence is a normal part of aging or the result of having children. It’s not.

While there has been much research identifying risk factors, there’s relatively little regarding prevention. Risk factors for stress urinary incontinence are believed to be things that continually cause an increase in abdominal pressure or can cause damage to the bladder outlet or its support. These include excessive weight, constipation, chronic cough, pelvic surgery and numerous pregnancies. Other risk factors are believed to include a lack of estrogen, pelvic floor muscle weakness, impaired mobility, impaired mental status, smoking, inadequate fluid intake and intake of known dietary irritants.

Tamara Dickinson, RN, CURN, CCCN, BCIA-PMDB
President, Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates
www.suna.org