Understanding Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is one of the most common forms of incontinence and it’s estimated that three million people in the UK are affected although this number may be conservative because some won’t mention it to their doctors. It also becomes more common in women as they age and go through the menopause. Estimates suggest that 1 in 5 women over 40 may suffer some degree of stress incontinence. As we eat and drink the kidneys produce urine which passes through the ureter tubes to the bladder. The amount we eat and drink influences the amount of urine that is made. As the bladder fills with urine it swells until we feel a need to go to the toilet. When we do go the outlet from the bladder opens and the pelvic floor muscles relax allowing urine to pass through the urethra. Stress incontinence refers to the leakage of urine that occurs when there is unexpected pressure on the bladder caused by coughing, exercising or even sneezing. It happens because the pelvic floor muscles are weakened through childbirth, obesity or even some treatments for cancer. The pelvic floor muscles are found around the base of the bladder and rectum. The most common treatment option is with regular use of the kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises. These exercises help to strengthen the core abdominal muscles. Pilates and yoga also help to strengthen these muscles. For those who are overweight then losing weight can help in conjunction with exercise. Smokers can also exacerbate their sy...
Source: The Hysterectomy Association - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Health incontinence kegel exercises pelvic floor exercises Source Type: news