Overcoming the "I" Word.

Incontinence.

When we see or hear about urinary leak, most of us either become fearful, embarrassed or ignorant.  

However, ignorance and embarrassment will only result in prolonging the worsening condition. Instead of hiding it , women should take charge and rectify the problem by understanding and treating it.

Over 200 million people worldwide are affected with bladder control problems (World Health Organization , 1998)

The approximate annual cost of the condition in the United States has been estimated at $11.2 billion in the community and $5.2 billion in nursing homes.  Most of the cost goes to purchasing pads and diapers which does not directly treat weakened pelvic floor muscles. 

What, Why, How?

Incontinence means loss of bladder control, being unable to hold your urine long enough to get to the ladies. 

Stress incontinence is loss of urine after physical exertion such as coughing, sneezing , laughing, exercise, and body movements that put pressure on the bladder. It is the most common type of incontinence in young, middle-age and older women. It can happen to anyone and is closely related to natural childbirth and menopause. Women affected  have to control basic daily functions such as laughter, urge to cough and sneeze, lifting heavy objects,distrupting the natural daily flow of one’s life.

Urge incontinence is the strong, sudden need to urinate due to bladder spasms or contractions and people who have this condition usually can’t hold their urine long enough to arrive at the toilet in  time. They also tend to have more urinary tract infections and skin problems than other people. It can happen to anyone even healthy people and it is closely related to people who have diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis. It may also be an early sign of bladder cancer.

Many women presume that urinary incontinence only affects older women, however incontinence increasingly affects younger women now as early as 16 years old. 

http://news.health.com/2012/07/17/incontinence-affects-young-childless-women-too/

How does it affect me?

      1. Shying away from social conditions


      2. Toilet mapping  (knowing where toilets are   beforehand when going to a place.

    
    3. Decreased sexual contact.



      4. Reduce liquid intake.


    5. Giving up hobbies that require physical     exertion.

    
   6. Extra financial cost for medication and  diapers.



    7. Avoiding long distance travelling

How Can I Prevent or Cure Incontinence?

Kegel Exercise.

Severe incontinence can be very harmful to one’s health, and with the increasing rate of incontinence amongst women, it is highly advisable to start Kegels earlier to avoid complications and maintain healthy pelvic floor muscles. 

A study published in the British Medical Journal in 1999 confirms Kegels as the primary cure for incontinence :

“Pelvic Floor Exercises are more effective than electrical stimulation, vaginal cones and no treatment for women with genuine stress incontinence. As such, exercise seems to be safe and effective it should be offered as first choice of treatment for genuine stress incontinence.”

Just like any other exercise, Kegels help strengthen and tone your pelvic floor muscles. For more information visit http://www.mybioinfinity.com and start your Kegel routine today.