Keeping Urinary Incontinence Under Control

Robert Preidt, "Keeping Urinary Incontinence Under Control", Forbes,
June 4, 2005,
Link:
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/heal...out524957.html

A few simple lifestyle changes may help the more than 13 million
Americans with urinary incontinence regain control of their daily
lives, one expert says.

This loss of bladder control is more common in people 65 and older and
affects women more often than men. While drugs and minimally invasive
surgery can help treat the condition, people with urinary incontinence
can also take some important steps on their own, said Dr. Carol
Figuers, an associate clinical professor in the division of physical
therapy at Duke University Medical Center.

For example, "decreasing or eliminating caffeine intake can help reduce
bladder urges," Figuers said in a prepared statement.

Caffeine can irritate and stimulate the bladder and cause urgent,
frequent urination and increased urine production, she explained.
Individuals who drink more than two caffeinated beverages a day should
gradually reduce their caffeine intake to avoid possible withdrawal
symptoms such as headache or sleepiness. Substituting non-caffeinated
drinks in place of coffee, tea and colas can go a long way to reducing
incontinence, the Duke expert said.

On the other hand, it's not a good idea to cut back on intake of
liquids in an attempt to reduce the urge to urinate, Figuers said. Lack
of liquids can cause dehydration, which can cause urine to become
concentrated and actually result in increased bladder urgency,
foul-smelling urine and, sometimes, bladder infection.

Drinking too much alcohol and eating too much spicy food can also
aggravate incontinence.

Figuers said that bladder training and "timed voiding" can help control
wayward bladders. Developing a regular schedule of urinating can help
bladders hold more urine and gradually increase the time between
urination. Holding urine too long can increase the risk of urinary
tract infection, however.

Urinary incontinence is often linked to a weakening of the pelvic floor
muscles. Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) can strengthen
those muscles and help prevent urine leakage, Figuers said.

"An individual can learn to improve both the strength and endurance of
this special muscle group through regular exercise," she explained.
"They're most effective when a person is able to isolate the pelvic
floor muscle and exercise that muscle specifically."