Leakage from the bladder may seem alarming, but it’s a common condition that many women deal with. However, the severity of urinary leakage is different for everyone. Childbirth, aging, injury, weight gain, or even genetics can cause female urinary leakage—also known as urinary incontinence.
There are two primary causes of leakage:
- Stress urinary incontinence: A loss of bladder control that causes leakage when you cough, sneeze, jump, or run.
- Urgency urinary incontinence: Also known as “overactive bladder,” a sudden, uncontrollable urgency to urinate. You may sometimes leak urine before reaching the restroom.
"You may leak a little, but if it doesn't bother you, it's fine," says Jolyn Hill, MD, a urogynecologist at University of Utah Health. "But if it's bothering you, then it's time to take action."
Here are some simple steps you can take to help control your bladder leakage:
Watch Your Liquid Intake
In recent years, a belief has been pushed that the more liquid—specifically water—you drink, the healthier you are. However, that isn't really the case.
There is no science behind the idea that you need to drink eight glasses of water a day, Hill says. "The best thing to do is to drink when you are thirsty. Your body is a great thermometer when you need water."
However, if you are recreating or spending time outdoors in the heat, it’s important to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration and heat illness.
It is normal to urinate every two to four hours depending on how much fluid you are drinking.
Limit Caffeine and Spicy Food
Certain foods and drinks can cause discomfort in your bladder or increase your urinary urgency. Reducing these bladder irritants in your diet can help your bladder function.
"The most common bladder irritants are coffee, tea, and soda," Hill says. "But foods that are spicy or high in acid can also be irritating."
Try Pelvic Floor Exercises
Your doctor may want you to work on strengthening your pelvic muscles to reduce the risk of leaking. This can be done with exercises like Kegels. You may also be referred to a pelvic floor physical therapist who can help improve your pelvic floor strength and urinary urgency symptoms.
Use Vaginal Inserts
Devices can be placed into the vagina to help the urethra stop urinary leakage—specifically leakage with physical activity. You can purchase these devices over the counter, or your doctor may assist with fitting a pessary.
“A pessary is a silicone ring that is placed in the vagina to help compress the urethra to stop urinary leakage,” Hill explains. “They are individually fit and have very little risks.”
Some women may wear these only when exercising, while other may prefer to wear them daily.
Know Your Surgical Options
Surgery is another option for treating leakage—primarily related to leakage with physical activity. Surgical procedures include urethral injections to increase the resistance inside the urethra or placing a piece of mesh under the urethra. For more information, you should discuss these options with your physician.
When to See a Doctor
There are times when limiting liquids and diet alterations aren't enough. In that case, it's best to see a doctor to determine what is causing your leakage.
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