Incontinence

Incontinence

What is incontinence

Do you pee a little when you jump? How about when you sneeze?

Female incontinence is a common yet often undiscussed health concern that impacts the lives of many women. Despite its commonality, there is a noticeable lack of open conversations surrounding this topic. In this blog post, I aim to shed some light on female incontinence; its causes, and effects, and most importantly, empower women with information to seek solutions and support.


“Did you know about 50% of women have some signs of incontinence. I have birthed 3 kids, I know I do! But did you know there are different types of incontinence?”

Understanding Female Incontinence:

Female incontinence refers to the unintentional loss of urine, a condition that can affect women of all ages. It is crucial to recognize that it is not a normal part of aging and should not be dismissed as such. There are various types of female incontinence, with stress incontinence and urge incontinence being the most common.

  1. Stress Incontinence:
    • This occurs when physical activities such as sneezing, laughing, or exercising put pressure on the bladder, leading to urine leakage.
    • Causes include pregnancy, childbirth, and weakened pelvic floor muscles.

2. Urge Incontinence:

    • Characterized by a sudden and intense urge to urinate, often resulting in an involuntary loss of urine.
    • Possible causes include urinary tract infections, neurological conditions, and hormonal changes.

“Did you know that ADHD can heighten the urgency you feel when you have to go pee?” this can also be one of the factors behind bladder control, and why a lot of children even have leaks!”

Causes and Risk Factors:

Understanding the causes and risk factors of female incontinence is vital for both prevention and effective management.

1.Pregnancy and Childbirth:

    • The contributing factor here is the physical strain of pregnancy and childbirth which can weaken pelvic floor muscles.

2.Menopause:

    • Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to a reduction in estrogen, impacting the health of the urinary tract.

3.Age:

    • While not an inevitable part of aging, the risk of incontinence does increase with age.

4.Obesity:

    • Excess weight can put additional pressure on the pelvic organs, contributing to incontinence.

5.Chronic Conditions:

    • Conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis can affect nerve function, leading to incontinence.

“I have experienced first hand, with me and my family that these factors are real!”

Effects on Quality of Life:

Physical Impact

Emotional Impact

Social Impact

Female incontinence can have significant effects on a woman's quality of life, impacting physical, emotional, and social well-being.

1.Physical Impact:

    • Limitations in daily activities due to fear of leakage.
    • Increased risk of urinary tract infections and skin irritation.

2.Emotional Impact:

    • Feelings of embarrassment, shame, and anxiety.
    • Impact on mental health, leading to depression or social withdrawal.

3.Social Impact:

    • Avoidance of social activities and intimacy.
    • Strained relationships due to communication challenges.

“Did you know that about 40% of my Bluebird Pad customers use the products for incontinence.”

What Are Some Solutions

Empowering Solutions and Support:

The good news is that there are numerous strategies, treatments, and support systems available to address female incontinence.

1.Pelvic Floor Exercises:

    • Regularly practicing pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, can strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and reduce incontinence.

2.Lifestyle Modifications:

    • Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can alleviate pressure on the bladder.
    • Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can also contribute to symptom improvement.

3.Medical Interventions:

    • Medications may be prescribed to address specific causes of incontinence, such as infections or overactive bladder.
    • Surgical interventions, such as slings or bladder neck suspension, may be recommended in severe cases.

4.Devices and Products:

    • Various products, including absorbent pads and adult diapers, provide practical solutions for managing incontinence discreetly.

5.Professional Support:

    • Seeking help from healthcare professionals, such as urologists or pelvic health physiotherapists, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

“Organic Cotton Cloth Pads and or Underwear make daily life more comfortable”

You Are Not Alone

Breaking the Silence:

Empowering women to openly discuss and seek help for female incontinence is an essential step towards breaking the stigma surrounding this condition. Supportive communities, both online and offline, can provide a safe space for women to share experiences, exchange advice, and seek encouragement.

Owning a reusable cloth pads business I get asked all the time if these pads work for incontinence, and the answer is yes! Physiotherapists actually recommend cloth pads over disposable pads because the have don't have the chemicals leeching into your body. Additionally they greatly reduce the risk of rashes with consistent use. Lastly the cost savings of being able to use them over and over again can be very important for most people. There are different levels of absorbency and sizes to match the type of incontinence you may be experiencing.

Female incontinence is a prevalent health concern that deserves attention and understanding. By fostering open conversations, raising awareness, and providing support, we can empower women to address this issue without shame or embarrassment. Every woman deserves to live life to the fullest, and with the right information and resources, managing and overcoming female incontinence is a realistic and achievable goal. Let's continue the dialogue, support one another, and work towards a world where every woman can embrace her health and well-being with confidence.


“I went the next level, and went and got an appointment at Full Moon Physiotherapy my local physiotherapist that specializes in a women’s pelvic floor.

Shannon was very helpful in showing breathing techniques that strengthen the pelvic floor. I thought kegal exercises were just tensing your pelvic muscles and releasing them, but there is a lot more to them then you think.”

Interested in finding a Physiotherapist near you https://pelicrehab.com

I asked Chat GPT to help me write my blog. A lot of other facts provided were from my experience, and some written stories on the web like www.mayoclinichelthsystem.org & www.reuters.com if you would like to read more about these articles. Also I got my pictures from www.vecteezy.com a free photo website all you have to do is sign up!

 

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