In the office of Matthew A. Barker, MD, Avera urogynecologist, a clever sign says, “I laughed so hard, tears ran down my leg!”
But if you find yourself running to the restroom every 30 minutes, or run the risk of “leaking,” Barker assures you that you’re not alone and that there are solutions.
Incontinence Is Nothing to Be Embarrassed About
For many women, incontinence is a taboo topic deemed too inappropriate or embarrassing to mention. However, it’s important to talk about with your doctor. While not necessarily life-threatening, incontinence in women (and men) can be intrusive and reduce your quality of life.
“In the past, women were hesitant to talk about incontinence,” said Barker, “But times are changing. Women are feeling more empowered to address issues that are affecting their life.”
Nearly half of women will experience incontinence some time in their lives, for one reason or another, according to Barker. While women at any age can struggle with incontinence, it most often shows up in their 40s or 50s. Without proper treatment, incontinence usually worsens with age.
Causes of Incontinence
Incontinence is the result of various stressors and/or damage to the pelvic floor muscles. Some of the most common include childbirth, an accident, aging and multiple sclerosis. Even overthinking or worrying about an inconvenient urgency can send you rushing to the restroom.
Ways to Treat Incontinence
A variety of surgical and nonsurgical options are available to women searching for an answer. Your health care provider may offer a combination of the following to help you reach the results you deserve:
- Outpatient therapies – Minimally invasive surgical options give patients with persistent incontinence a potential cure.
- Physical therapy – Pelvic floor muscle therapies can provide better opportunity for a more effective outcome.
- Prescriptions – Sometimes medication will manage your incontinence just fine.
- Neuromodulation – Electrical stimulation or manipulation of the nerves that innervate the bladder can help women with urgency/frequency and urge incontinence. These types of procedures, which implant a device, can either be done in the office or as a same-day procedure without any recovery.
- “Slings” – During this procedure, a piece of your own tissue is surgically attached around the urethra, like a sling, to help keep it secure.
- BOTOX/acupuncture – Injections directly into the bladder can curb the urgency. Acupuncture needles inserted into the right meridian points may also help individuals.
- Gels – There are gels available that help with the closing action of the urethra. These injections may be administered through the urethral wall or the anal wall.
- Pelvic floor muscle training – Kegel exercises, correctly performed, can potentially strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. “However, 38% of women cannot isolate this particular muscle in their lower abdomen,” said Barker.
- Lifestyle changes – Making alterations to your lifestyle can help prevent urgent trips to the restroom during the night, at the office or while on the road. Limit fluids, coffee, tea and diuretic foods from your diet, especially when a restroom is not readily available.
“Incontinence can be cured, or effectively managed,” offered Barker. “You don’t have to live uncomfortably, nor should you accept it.”
If you have any questions, contact Avera Urogynecology.
