Urinary Incontinence

Cheryle Gartley

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

There are many myths surrounding incontinence, including these two. Fortunately, like many myths, nothing could be further from the truth. In 1997 the Simon Foundation for Continence held the first ever international conference to explore prevention; today, even more is understood.

Prevention, including prevention of incontinence, can be defined in several ways: stop the problem from occurring by removing its cause, detect it early and initiate treatment to stop progression, or begin activities that prevent deterioration or reduce complications. The good news is that no matter what your age or condition, you can help your bladder be as healthy as possible. The key is to understand how it works, and to practice healthy bladder habits.

The bladder is a muscle, not an empty vessel of a fixed size waiting to be filled up. Like all muscles, it needs exercise. Allowing the bladder to stretch by letting it fill completely before emptying is important. Constantly going to the bathroom "just in case" (although perhaps necessary before a long journey) may prevent the bladder from getting the exercise it needs to stretch and contract efficiently. Other "Healthy Bladder Habits" from the International Prevention Conference are recommendations that can be practiced at every age:

• Drink adequately. Six to eight cups of fluids per day, more when it is hot or when exercising.

• Recognize patterns. Most people empty the bladder about every three or four hours during the day (four to eight times in 24 hours). Getting up once at night to empty the bladder is not abnormal, but being awakened more than twice is abnormal.

• Relax. Don’t strain to empty the bladder or the bowel.

• Try to keep bowel movements regular. Don’t ignore feelings that the bowels need emptying.

• Know the signs. Seek professional help when any leakage of urine from the bladder occurs, pain is experienced when passing urine, or any blood is seen in the urine.

It’s also important to be familiar with risk factors for incontinence, such as constipation, obesity, smoking, and certain birthing decisions regarding vaginal deliveries. Be sure to ask your doctor about your specific risk factors for maintaining a healthy bladder.

Cheryle Gartley
Founder and President, the Simon Foundation for Continence
www.simonfoundation.org