Making It Worse
Here are the top reasons that might be making it worse for your incontinence symptoms .
What Is making it Worse?
Incontinence, the involuntary loss of bladder control, can be triggered by a myriad of factors.
These include not only common actions like coughing, sneezing, laughing, and sudden movements, but also the urgent need to use the toilet.
Furthermore, various medical conditions and bladder damage can significantly contribute to the development of this condition, necessitating comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management.
Urinary incontinence, a common condition, often leads to embarrassment and disrupts daily activities like work, socializing, exercise, and travel.
Understanding and diagnosing the condition can be aided by investigations and the expertise of a specialist physiotherapist, who may recommend medication or surgery for effective treatment.
One common type of urinary incontinence is stress urinary incontinence, where sudden stress or pressure causes urine leakage.
This stress can come from coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy weights.
It’s important to note that being stressed doesn’t directly cause urinary incontinence, though there is evidence linking stress and its experiences.
Being overweight.
Carrying excess weight also places strain on the bladder and urethra, worsening urinary incontinence or causing it in the first place.
Additional weight can burden the pelvic floor muscles, the support system for the pelvic organs. Weakness in these muscles exacerbates urinary incontinence symptoms.
Gradual improvement can be achieved by adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise that leads to weight loss, effectively reversing stress urinary incontinence symptoms.
Smoking.
Smoking has been shown to increase the likelihood of urge urinary incontinence, characterized by a sudden and desperate urge to pass urine.
Nicotine and other toxins in cigarettes can irritate the bladder, leading to more frequent contractions and worsening urinary incontinence problems.
Quitting smoking is a lifestyle change that can help manage urinary incontinence, with the support of nicotine replacement devices and local support groups available through your pharmacist.
Drinking Correct Amount Of Water.
It is important to stay hydrated for overall health and wellbeing, but excessive fluid intake leads to increased urine production and more frequent leaks for those with urinary incontinence.
Limiting the consumption of caffeinated drinks, including tea, coffee, cola, and energy drinks, helps mitigate their diuretic effect. Alcoholic beverages also have a similar effect, therefore moderating alcohol intake is advised.
However, avoiding excessive fluid intake can worsen symptoms, as dehydration results in concentrated urine that irritates the bladder walls, causing more frequent contractions and urine leakage.
Balancing hydration needs with the impact on urinary incontinence is key. For those experiencing nighttime urinary incontinence, it is advisable to avoid consuming too many fluids in the evening and refrain from drinking just before bed.
Constipation.
Chronic constipation, accompanied by regular straining to pass stool, can contribute to urinary incontinence or worsen existing symptoms.
Straining to pass hard, dry stools exerts pressure on the bladder and urethra, similar to the effects of coughing or sneezing.
This strain weakens the pelvic floor muscles over time, leading to worsening urinary leakage. Consuming a fiber-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with proper hydration, helps maintain regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
High Impact Sports.
Engaging in high-impact sports promotes a healthy weight and helps prevent constipation, both of which contribute to urinary incontinence.
However, certain sports, like running and activities involving jumping, can exacerbate symptoms of stress urinary incontinence by placing additional pressure on the bladder during exercise.
To mitigate this, avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol before exercising and empty your bladder prior to engaging in physical activity. For those who experience minor urinary incontinence while running or jumping, wearing incontinence pads or underwear can provide reassurance.
Alternatively, opting for lower-impact sports like yoga and swimming is a viable option.
If you suspect urinary incontinence and need further guidance, consult your GP for expert advice and assistance.