Urinary incontinence is a common condition, affecting nearly one in five women. It can significantly impact quality of life, causing disruptions in daily activities, social interactions, and personal relationships. While many people hesitate to seek medical help, there are effective treatments available.
Why Does Urinary Incontinence Occur? Urinary incontinence often results from weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can be caused by childbirth, menopause, or other factors. It can also be triggered by medical conditions, medications, or nerve damage.
Common Triggers for Accidental Urination
- Laughing
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Standing up
- Exercising
Preventing and Treating Urinary Incontinence
-
Kegel Exercises:
- These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, helping to prevent and treat incontinence.
- To locate the correct muscles, try stopping the flow of urine midstream. The muscles you contract are the ones you should focus on.
- Perform these exercises regularly throughout the day.
-
Lifestyle Changes:
- Quit smoking: Smoking can irritate the bladder.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts pressure on the bladder.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: These substances can irritate the bladder.
- Avoid acidic foods: Citrus fruits and spicy foods can irritate the bladder.
- Regular bowel movements: Constipation can contribute to incontinence.
-
Bladder Training:
- Urinate on a schedule, even if you don’t feel the urge.
-
Biofeedback:
- A technique that uses electronic devices to help you learn to control your pelvic floor muscles.
-
Electrical stimulation:
- A device is used to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles and strengthen them.
-
Intermittent catheterization:
- For individuals with a full bladder who cannot empty it on their own.
-
Medications:
- Medications can help relax the bladder or improve muscle tone.
-
Injections:
- Substances like collagen can be injected into the urethra to improve its function.
-
Botox injections:
- Botox can be injected into the bladder muscle to reduce spasms.
-
Surgery:
- In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to support the urethra or remove obstructions.
For Treatment in Istanbul
For the diagnosis and treatment of stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, reflex incontinence, and temporary urinary incontinence, you can contact Prof. Dr. Ateş Karateke in Istanbul.