Did you know that urinary incontinence is a frustrating problem that affects over 13 million people in the US? This condition, described as having an overactive bladder or simply the loss of bladder control, equally affects both men and women. However, urinary incontinence is twice as common in women. In fact, some researchers suggest that half of elderly women are suffering from some form of urinary incontinence.
The primary sign of urinary incontinence is an uncontrolled release of urine. People with this condition may experience urine leaks when they laugh, sneeze, cough or lift something heavy. Experts call this stress incontinence, which is the most common form of urinary incontinence in younger women.
Do you often feel the desperate urge to urinate but can’t get to the toilet in time? Known as urge incontinence, this type of bladder control problem may be triggered by sounds made if you pour water or when you sip a drink.
While urinary incontinence is not a life-threatening condition, it may be a source of embarrassment for someone who has it. Research suggests that women with bladder control problems tend to have lower self-esteem, higher levels of depression and reduced sexuality. They are also inclined to be socially isolated to fear of “accidents.”
To manage incontinence, experts suggest drinking less to stop uncontrolled urine leaks. Avoiding tea, coffee or caffeinated sodas help a lot since caffeine creates more urine. Another tip is to empty your bladder, say every two hours, even if you don’t need to.
