http://wetmatters.com Solutions and hope for women suffering from urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, decreased sexual sensation, and pelvic floor weakness. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:50:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/09/06/good-sex-and-womens-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/09/06/good-sex-and-womens-urinary-incontinence Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:50:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/09/06/good-sex-and-womens-urinary-incontinence Get this:

According to a 2001 Harris survey of folks with overactive bladders (also called urge urinary incontinence), about fifty percent were sexually active … and about two-thirds of those people reported that urine leakage got in the way of their sex lives!

Of course, this isn't all that surprising. [...]]]> Get this:

According to a 2001 Harris survey of folks with overactive bladders (also called urge urinary incontinence), about fifty percent were sexually active … and about two-thirds of those people reported that urine leakage got in the way of their sex lives!

Of course, this isn't all that surprising. Sexual activity can irritate the bladder, which can cause urine leakage. That can be a real show-stopper!

Says Melody Denson, MD, a board-certified urologist with the Urology Team in Austin, Texas, "When you're being intimate, you're used to secretions and moistness, but the thought that it's actually urine leakage is really upsetting and uncomfortable."

How to Have Good Sex Despite Urinary Incontinence
The truth of the matter is that women with urinary incontinence can (and should) have good sex. Good sex just takes a little more preparation.

1. Do Your Kegels
Not only do Kegels, which are pelvic muscle floor contractions, keep urine where it belongs during sex, but these exercises can also enhance your sexual experience in other ways. Kegels are simple to do. The trick is remembering to do them … regularly! If you are not sure how to do a Kegel correctly, or how to integrate these simple exercises into your daily routine, read our free ebook on the subject. It's called "What's Up Down There?" and it covers the basics, plus helps you with troubleshooting.

2. Skip the Wine and Other Bladder Irritants
While wine may sound like the perfect accompaniment to a romantic dinner, it can also ruin an intimate moment after dinner. Wine can irritate the bladder, which can cause urine leakage. To prevent urine leakage, stay away from all bladder irritating foods and drinks, such as caffeinated beverages, acidic foods, and spicy dishes. Get a more complete list of bladder-irritating foods and drinks HERE.

3. Be Ready
Getting ready for intimacy without urine leakage means taking the same steps as avoiding urine leakage at night. Limit fluid intake a few hours before and practice double voiding. And if you haven't had "the talk" about urinary incontinence with your partner, take the time to do so before getting intimate. It will save both you embarrassment later. Not sure how to talk to your partner? Find out HERE.

Hopefully, these simple steps will help you have a great sex life, despite urinary incontinence symptoms!

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/09/02/putting-your-womens-urinary-incontinence-to-bed http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/09/02/putting-your-womens-urinary-incontinence-to-bed Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:30:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/09/02/putting-your-womens-urinary-incontinence-to-bed
But rest easy. Your problem isn't insolvable. By making a few conservative lifestyle changes [...]]]>
But rest easy. Your problem isn't insolvable. By making a few conservative lifestyle changes you can sleep solidly for six to eight hours at a time-with no interruptions!

Getting Beauty Rest with Urinary Incontinence
If you are up and down all night, running to the bathroom, then you are not alone! Sixteen percent of people over the age of 18 have the same trouble getting a good night's sleep. What's even worse is dealing with the wet sheets when you don't make it to the bathroom on time.

To avoid all of this hassle, here are some steps you can take to guarantee future nights of beauty rest:

1. Limit Fluid Intake
Stop drinking fluids after 6 pm, or at least 3 hours before bed. To stay hydrated, you need to drink at least four to nine cups of water daily. Just be sure to drink those fluids during the morning and afternoon. Limiting fluid intake in the evening will decrease your need to urinate at night.

2. Double-Void Before Bed
Double-voiding is the practice of urinating twice before you go to bed. First, urinate until you feel that your bladder is empty. Then, go through the rest of your evening routine, such as washing your face or brushing your teeth. Afterwards, urinate again. This ensures that your bladder is truly empty before you go to bed. Alternately, you can double-void by urinating, relaxing on the toilet for 10-20 seconds, and then urinating again.

3. Avoid Bladder-Irritating Food and Drink
If you suffer from urinary incontinence, preventing nighttime wetting accidents means avoiding certain foods and drinks. Caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages, acidic foods and juices, spicy dishes, and artificial sweeteners can all worsen urinary incontinence symptoms. Stay away from these items and you should experience better sleep at night.

These three simple lifestyle-changing steps can go a long way toward transforming you from a sleep-deprived grump to Sleeping Beauty!

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/31/when-womens-urinary-incontinence-messes-with-your-intimacy http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/31/when-womens-urinary-incontinence-messes-with-your-intimacy Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:38:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/31/when-womens-urinary-incontinence-messes-with-your-intimacy Does this sound familiar?

You excuse yourself several times during a dinner date to go to the bathroom. You avoid sex to prevent the embarrassment of leaking urine at "the big moment." You keep postponing a romantic trip because you are afraid you won't be able to find bathrooms when you really need them.

All of [...]]]> Does this sound familiar?

You excuse yourself several times during a dinner date to go to the bathroom. You avoid sex to prevent the embarrassment of leaking urine at "the big moment." You keep postponing a romantic trip because you are afraid you won't be able to find bathrooms when you really need them.

All of these situations may seem perfectly normal to you if you are coping with urinary incontinence, but they may cause your significant other to wonder if the relationship is headed for a breakup.

Yikes! What's a gal to do? Don't panic. Instead, spend some time talking with your significant other about your urinary incontinence problem.

How to Talk with Your Significant Other
While talking to your partner about urinary leakage certainly isn't the most romantic topic in the world, it can certainly put your mind at ease ... not to mention keep your partner from wondering why you are acting so strangely! There are two things you can do to make the conversation easier:

1. Choose the right moment to raise the issue
2. Be careful, thorough, and patient in your explanation

Choosing the Right Moment
Let's take the first point-choosing the perfect moment. Since discussing your urinary incontinence issue an important topic, you want to pick a time when you have your partner's undivided attention. For instance, a quiet walk in the park or a private lunch at home would both be good times to raise the issue. You might want to avoid bringing up the subject as you head into the bedroom. Also avoid raising the topic over the phone because silences are difficult to interpret if you can't see your partner's face!

Explain Carefully
Once you start the conversation with your partner, describe your symptoms carefully and simply. Explain how these symptoms impact your life, and how you cope with these symptoms. You will also want to tell your partner about the steps you are taking to treat your urinary incontinence, whether you are participating in physical therapy, using medication, or considering surgery.

If you feel embarrassed discussing the subject, write a list of talking points. This will help you get through the conversation without skipping any important information. Finally, give your partner a chance to ask questions, and answer as honestly as you can.

Honesty Helps
While talking about women's urinary incontinence isn't very romantic, having the discussion can really deepen your relationship with your partner. You'll probably be surprised ... urinary leakage is most likely "no big deal" to your partner. And, as they say, "Honesty is the best policy."

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/25/dealing-with-womens-urinary-incontinence-while-exercising http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/25/dealing-with-womens-urinary-incontinence-while-exercising Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:49:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/25/dealing-with-womens-urinary-incontinence-while-exercising
Unfortunately, avoiding workouts won't really help your urine leakage [...]]]>
Unfortunately, avoiding workouts won't really help your urine leakage problem. In fact, lack of exercise--and the resulting weight gain--can actually worsen your urinary leakage problems. That's why it is important to deal with your urinary incontinence so that you can work out in a way that is comfortable for you. We have some tips that can empower you to return to the gym without fear of urinary leakage.

Five Ways to Cope with Urinary Incontinence While Exercising
There are many conservative measures you can take to prevent or minimize urinary leakage when you exercise. Here are five ways you can help yourself stay dry while you exercise.

Tip #1: Limit Fluid Intake
While it is important to stay hydrated when you exercise, limiting your fluid intake just before your exercise session can help prevent urine leakage. You are the best judge of how much fluid you need to drink before and during your workout to stay hydrated while preventing leakage accidents. Experiment with different levels of fluid intake until you see some level of improvement in your urinary incontinence symptoms. Normally, women need to drink between four and nine cups of water per day to stay hydrated.

Tip #2: Urinate Just Before Working Out
Emptying your bladder before your workout can go a long way toward preventing leakage accidents. You can go a step further by practicing double voiding. Double voiding means urinating until you feel that your bladder is empty. Then, wait a few seconds, and urinate again. This allows your bladder to empty completely, which can help prevent symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, which is also called overactive bladder.

Tip #3: Use a Tampon or Urethral Insert
Both tampons and urethral inserts increase pressure on the urethra and support the bladder. Both of these actions can help prevent urine leakage during while you exercise, especially if you suffer from stress urinary incontinence.

Tip #4: Use Absorbent Pads or Diapers
While this option seems unattractive for many women, since pads and diapers can be bulky and uncomfortable, you might be surprised at the advances in these products. Trying different absorbent products until you find the one that works for you may allow you to return to an active lifestyle without worrying about that embarrassing "wet panty" look. Check out the different kinds of absorbent products on the market today, and see which ones fit your needs.

Tip #5: Exercise Your Body Inside and Out
Being able to work out at the gym without urine leakage may depend on how regularly you exercise your inner muscles "down there." Regularly exercising your pelvic floor muscles can keep you toned and fit internally, which prevents urine leakage. For the scoop on pelvic floor muscle contractions (also called Kegels) check out our free informational ebook.

Download the "What's Up Down There" ebook here.

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lululemonathletica/3607657031 /

]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/22/womens-urinary-incontinence-relaxing-can-help http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/22/womens-urinary-incontinence-relaxing-can-help Sun, 22 Aug 2010 06:52:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/22/womens-urinary-incontinence-relaxing-can-help
Believe it or not, relaxation can be a key to preventing urinary leakage. [...]]]>
Believe it or not, relaxation can be a key to preventing urinary leakage. Really!

Why Relaxation Helps Prevent Urinary Incontinence
There are two major ways that relaxation can help you avoid urine leakage:

1. Relaxation helps you empty your bladder completely.
2. Relaxation gives you time to do a Kegel, which can prevent urine leakage.

Let's explore the first point: how relaxation can help you empty your bladder completely. By using a practice called double-voiding, you can ensure that you empty your bladder completely each time you go to the bathroom. This prevents urine leakage later, and also increases your bladder capacity. To double-void, take your time in the bathroom. First, urinate until you feel your bladder is empty. Then, wait about 10 seconds and then try to urinate again. You might be surprised that you still have to urinate. This is why it is important to relax and take your time when you are in the bathroom. Taking the time to double-void can prevent urine leakage accidents later.

Relaxation can also give you time to do a Kegel exercise or two on your way to the bathroom. If you feel the sudden urge to urinate, instead of panicking and running for the restroom, simply relax. Breathe deeply as you make your way to the bathroom, and do a couple of pelvic muscle contractions (Kegels). Kegel contractions can really help prevent urine leakage because they help tighten the sphincter muscles around the urethra, as well as supporting the bladder. Having a regular Kegel practice can keep these muscles in good shape, too.

Not sure how to do a Kegel? Get the scoop on what's up down there with our free "how-to" ebook.

Download the ebook here.

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/17/womens-urinary-incontinence-you-are-not-alone http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/17/womens-urinary-incontinence-you-are-not-alone Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:59:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/17/womens-urinary-incontinence-you-are-not-alone
urinary incontinence

The irony of the situation is that millions of women are keeping their urine leakage problem a secret-all the while thinking that they are alone-when, in fact, they have a tremendous amount of [...]]]>
urinary incontinence

The irony of the situation is that millions of women are keeping their urine leakage problem a secret-all the while thinking that they are alone-when, in fact, they have a tremendous amount of company.

Some Statistics about Women's Urinary Incontinence
If you suffer from urine leakage and feel that you are isolated, then these statistics should change your mind. Did you know that:

- Almost half of all women who have had children have stress incontinence by the time they are age 40

- Stress and urge urinary incontinence (also called overactive bladder) are highly prevalent, even among younger women

- In the U.S., stress incontinence affects over 15 million women while urge incontinence affects more than 16 million women

- 11% of women will have one pelvic surgery, while 29% will have more than one pelvic surgery

Do you still think you are alone? These statistics should convince you otherwise! More importantly, they should convince you of the need to seek attention for your urinary incontinence. While urinary incontinence isn't exactly cocktail-party conversation, it should be a conversation you have with your healthcare provider

Don't know where to start? Try digging into some of these resources on how to talk to your doctor and which questions your doctor may ask:

How to Talk to Your Doctor
Which Questions Will Your Doctor Ask About Urinary Incontinence
Preparing for Your Doctor's Appointment

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/11/strategies-for-dealing-with-womens-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/11/strategies-for-dealing-with-womens-urinary-incontinence Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:24:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/11/strategies-for-dealing-with-womens-urinary-incontinence Do you have women's urinary incontinence?

If so, then we have some strategies to help you deal with your urine leakage issues, especially if you are traveling or you simply want to keep an active lifestyle.

There is no need to limit your social activities because of your incontinence. Instead, check out these [...]]]> Do you have women's urinary incontinence?

If so, then we have some strategies to help you deal with your urine leakage issues, especially if you are traveling or you simply want to keep an active lifestyle.

There is no need to limit your social activities because of your incontinence. Instead, check out these tips to keep you dry and comfortable.

Women's Urinary Incontinence: Dealing with Medication Side Effects
Slushies for Urinary Incontinence Symptoms
Pack a Bag When You are Out and About
Tips for Long Distance Travel
3 Ways to Avoid Accidents
How a Note from Your Doctor Can Help at Work
How to Protect Your Skin
Minimize Urine Odors
Use the Right Absorbent Products

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stefanerschwendner/4843576916/



]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-keeping-young-women-out-of-sports http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-keeping-young-women-out-of-sports Sun, 08 Aug 2010 05:55:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-keeping-young-women-out-of-sports
In fact, this new study shows that younger women affected by urinary incontinence are being forced to change the [...]]]>
In fact, this new study shows that younger women affected by urinary incontinence are being forced to change the sports in which they participate, or give up sports altogether. The study focused on 679 Italian women, all of whom participated in non-competitive sports and were still having regular periods.

One in seven of the women surveyed (15%) indicated they suffered from urinary incontinence, and on average these women had been dealing with the symptoms for about 6 years. Of those affected:

- about half experienced symptoms during routine activities
- one-third had symptoms occur solely during sporting activities
- one-fifth claimed symptoms during both regular and sporting activities

Based on the study results, the riskiest sports for women, when it comes to urinary incontinence, are (in descending order): basketball, athletics, and tennis or squash. What's more:

- 10% of the women surveyed gave up their favorite sport because of their urinary incontinence
- 20% of women surveyed changed or limited their sporting activity to prevent further urine leakage issues

Wow! Those statistics include a large number of young women who can longer be as active as they once were because of urine leakage problems.

What's a Young Woman with Urinary Incontinence to Do?
Luckily, young women with urine leakage problems do have options and solutions. In younger women, urinary incontinence is most often the result of pelvic floor weakness. Strengthening these muscles by doing regular Kegels can make a big difference.

If you have been unable to participate in your favorite sporting event because of urine leakage accidents, consider doing Kegels as part of your rehabilitation program. Kegels tone and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which are the muscles that hold urine in the bladder until you are ready to urinate.

If you have never done Kegels, or you have done Kegels but feel they are not effective for you, you may want to download our ebook "What's Up Down There?" This ebook not only helps you determine the strength of your pelvic floor muscles, but also walks you through how to do a correct pelvic floor contraction (Kegel). Many women do Kegels, but incorrectly. This ebook helps you troubleshoot your Kegel contraction, and helps you do those contractions correctly. Kegels are both simple and effective once you learn to do them correctly.

Download the "What's Up Down There?" ebook here

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdanvers/4333969907 /

]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/05/womens-urinary-incontinence-is-this-you http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/05/womens-urinary-incontinence-is-this-you Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:24:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/08/05/womens-urinary-incontinence-is-this-you Is this you?

You just had a baby and suddenly you can't sneeze or step off a curb without peeing in your pants.

You used to leak a little urine now and then, but since you entered menopause you suddenly leak urine all the time.

You are under a lot of stress in your daily life, and now [...]]]> Is this you?

You just had a baby and suddenly you can't sneeze or step off a curb without peeing in your pants.

You used to leak a little urine now and then, but since you entered menopause you suddenly leak urine all the time.

You are under a lot of stress in your daily life, and now you often have to go before you can reach the bathroom.

You have a urine leakage problem, you don't know why, and you need more information about your condition. You just don't know where to get it.

Does this sound like you?

If so, then don't worry. Not only are you not alone, but you are also one of the many faces of women's urinary incontinence. You are one of the millions of women who leak urine. If you haven't sought help, you are either part of the 50% of women who never seek help or you might be part of the 66% of women who wait more than 6 years before seeking help. If you need information about your condition, you have come to the right place.

Discreet Online Help for Women's Urinary Incontinence
Leaking urine is no fun, but luckily getting the information you need about your condition is simple. Getting discreet online information that will help you be your own best health advocate is easy. Just check out these great online resources:

The Types of Women's Urinary Incontinence
What's Up Down There Ebook
Some Facts About Women's Urinary Incontinence
Discreet Online Resources for Women's Urinary Incontinence
Women's Urinary Incontinence by Age Group
Sit or Squat: Online Directory of Bathrooms

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/spigoo/8069457

]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/29/ladies-if-sex-has-gone-from-hot-to-not-strengthen-your-love-muscle http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/29/ladies-if-sex-has-gone-from-hot-to-not-strengthen-your-love-muscle Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:03:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/29/ladies-if-sex-has-gone-from-hot-to-not-strengthen-your-love-muscle
Kegels.

Also called pelvic floor muscle contractions, Kegels help you strengthen your muscles down below. Believe it or not, a lot of women would benefit from a regular Kegel workout.

Sex and Statistics: What You May Not Know
Here's what you may not know about sex and statistics: a lot of women could be having a lot more fun in the bedroom than they do. Consider this:

- About 10% of women have never experienced an orgasm (WebMD)
- Only 30% of women achieve orgasm through intercourse (The Medical Center for Female Sexuality)
- Among British women, 46% never or rarely achieve orgasm (Fox Business)

Here's what else you might want to know:

The Journal of the American Medical Association reported in 1999 that 43% of American women experienced sexual difficulties, with one-third of the women reporting lack of interest or desire for sex. Another one-fourth of women did not experience orgasm during sex, and one-fifth did not find sex pleasurable.

Pretty unbelievable, right?

What You Can Do about Decreased Sexual Sensation
Luckily, women who experience decreased sexual sensation or lack of orgasm can improve their sexual experience by exercising their pelvic floor muscles by doing a variety of Kegel-type exercises.

To find out whether pelvic floor exercises will help you out, check out our free ebook. The ebook not only offers two simple tests that help you assess the tone of your pelvic floor muscles, but also gives you detailed instructions on how to do a correct pelvic floor contraction.

Check out the ebook here and enjoy!

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/theogeo/2505883208/


]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/27/womens-urinary-incontinence-dealing-with-medication-side-effects http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/27/womens-urinary-incontinence-dealing-with-medication-side-effects Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:14:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/27/womens-urinary-incontinence-dealing-with-medication-side-effects
Taking [...]]]>
Taking medication for women's urinary incontinence is often a balancing act between the positive benefits of the medication and the negative side effects. The good news is that there are ways you can soften the impact of these side effects. This articles covers the most common and effective ways to do that.

Methods for Dealing with Medication Side Effects
Many medications for women's urinary incontinence have a drying effect on the body, which causes the common side effects of dry eyes, dry mouth, and constipation. In addition, some medications cause nausea. To handle these side effects, many women have found the following strategies to be effective.

Dry Mouth
If you experience a dry mouth as a side effect of your medication, it may seem natural to load up on fluids. Unfortunately, this can worsen your urine leakage symptoms. Instead, to moisten your mouth you can chew gum, suck on lozenges and hard candy, or melt ice chips in your mouth. You can also try some artificial over-the-counter moisteners like Biotene. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist for these kinds of products.

Dry Eyes
There are many over-the-counter eye drops that can alleviate the itchiness and irritation of dry eyes. Artificial tears and any preservative-free moisturizing eye drops should work well. If you have glaucoma, be sure to let your healthcare provider know since some medications are contra-indicated for people with glaucoma.

Constipation
Changing your diet to include more fresh fruits, vegetables, and fiber can make a big difference in preventing constipation. Also, be sure you are drinking enough water, usually between four and nine cups of water per day. Drinking too little water can actually worsen urinary leakage symptoms (as can drinking too much water), and will definitely contribute to constipation. If you can't get enough fiber in your diet, taking a fiber supplement/stool softener can also help. Common over-the-counter fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, Miralax, Konsyl, and Citrucel, work well. You might also want to consider our own home-remedy for regular bowel movements. Simply mix ¼ cup freshly ground flaxseed, ¼ cup aloe vera juice, and ½ cup apple juice. Drink immediately. Note that it's very important to grind the flaxseed fresh each time.

Nausea
Although this side effect is less common than the three mentioned above, it can sometimes occur. To alleviate feelings of nausea, consider drinking mint or ginger tea, or taking ginger capsules. Exercise can also sometimes help.

We hope these tips help you balance any negative side effects of medications you are taking for women's urinary incontinence. Medication is a proven conservative therapy for urine leakage, so don't bypass its benefits. Just learn to manage the possible side effects!

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/_lulu/3187093421 /

]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/25/womens-urinary-incontinence-more-than-one-cause http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/25/womens-urinary-incontinence-more-than-one-cause Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:37:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/25/womens-urinary-incontinence-more-than-one-cause "Why am I leaking urine?"

This is one of the most common questions asked by women who experience urinary leakage. The answer to this question is not as simple or straightforward as it might seem, since there can be multiple causes for this condition. If you are leaking urine, then you may be looking for more than [...]]]> "Why am I leaking urine?"

This is one of the most common questions asked by women who experience urinary leakage. The answer to this question is not as simple or straightforward as it might seem, since there can be multiple causes for this condition. If you are leaking urine, then you may be looking for more than one culprit.

Risk Factors for Women's Urinary Incontinence
Unfortunately, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from urine leakage. Part of the reason for this statistic is that pregnancy and childbirth are major contributors to urinary incontinence. Childbirth, especially vaginal deliveries, can stretch and tear the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region, weakening the pelvic floor muscles and causing urine leakage.

Other risk factors that can contribute to urinary incontinence include:

Weight Gain and Obesity: Every pound puts downward pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles

Aging: Muscles in the pelvic floor tend to sag, just like muscles everywhere else in the body

Smoking and Chronic Cough: Nicotine can irritate the bladder in some women while chronic coughing puts stress on the bladder, causing involuntary leakage

Menopause: Decreased levels of estrogen linked to menopause can lead to thinning of the urethral and vaginal walls, which in turn offer less support for the bladder

Medication: Certain classes of medicine, such as broncho-dilators and diuretics, can cause urine leakage

Urinary Tract Infections: Chronic infections in the bladder or urinary tract can eventually lead to urinary incontinence

Other causes include pelvic organ prolapse, dietary issues, and bladder stones. The key is to realize that more than one factor may be contributing to your urine leakage issues.

That's why it is important to check with your healthcare provider as soon as you experience any symptoms of urinary incontinence. The earlier your doctor can diagnose your condition, the more easily your symptoms can be treated and cured. In addition, early detection means that conservative measures, such as physical therapy and lifestyle changes, are more effective.

Diseases That Contribute to Urinary Incontinence
In addition to the factors listed above, certain diseases can cause urinary incontinence. While this is more prevalent in the elderly or the ill, you are more likely to suffer urine leakage if you have or have had:

- Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease
- diabetes
- multiple sclerosis
- stroke
- pelvic floor or spinal cord injuries
- bladder cancer

As always, knowledge is power and the more knowledge you have about your condition the more you can contribute to your own health and well-being. To be your own best health advocate, especially when it comes to matters "down there," take two important steps:

1. Contact your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and explore your treatment options.

2. Learn are much as you can about your condition. You may wish to learn more about the different types of urinary incontinence or read our no-cost ebook.

Good luck and remember that urinary incontinence is neither inevitable nor untreatable!

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsholly/3509910595/

]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/20/need-a-slushy-help-for-womens-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/20/need-a-slushy-help-for-womens-urinary-incontinence Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:24:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/20/need-a-slushy-help-for-womens-urinary-incontinence
On the other hand, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables top the list of foods you should eat. And while you [...]]]>
On the other hand, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables top the list of foods you should eat. And while you may be very diligent about what you eat and drink, there are times when you may find yourself lapsing from your prescribed diet.

Don't worry. If you just can't help yourself and you "sin" at a party or chug a few too many cups of coffee, we have the perfect solution for you: a slushy!

The Bicarbonate Slush for Women's Urinary Incontinence
When you think of the word "slushy," you may think of a hot-pink icy drink you get from the local convenience store, but that's not what we mean. When we say "slushy," we mean a bicarbonate slush, otherwise known as a quick fix for when you veer off your bladder-healthy diet.

Making and drinking a bicarbonate slush can help reduce urine acidity and dilute any effects of specific food or drink irritants. It's easy to make this slush. Here's how:

1. Dilute one teaspoon of baking soda with 16 ounces of water.
2. Drink this slush and immediately
3. Drink an additional eight ounces of plain water.

If you are prone to salt retention or have high blood pressure, check with your healthcare provider before using bicarbonate slushes, as baking soda can be contraindicated.

Other Options for Dietary Indiscretions
If bicarbonate slushes don't appeal to you (or you don't have immediate access to baking soda), another option for alleviating your dietary indiscretions is simply to drink more water. Drinking plenty of water may reduce urine acidity and dilute any effects of these specific irritants.

If you have urinary incontinence, optimally you should drink four to nine cups of water daily. If your urine leakage or bladder symptoms get worse, you can immediately drink more water for dilution. If possible, keep your water intake to a minimum after 6 pm to prevent late-night urine leakage accidents.

Also, if you know you are going to be in a situation where you can't avoid acidic or bladder-irritating foods, go with "the usual" coping mechanisms:

1. Wear dark clothing so that urine leakage won't show
2. Pack extra incontinence pads or diapers
3. Stick with options to coffee (like Kava or sun-brewed tea), as well as low-acid food like apricots, papayas, pears, and watermelons

Hopefully, the slushy and these other options will help alleviate your urinary leakage symptoms in a simple and effective way.

If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.

]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/18/medications-for-overactive-bladder-or-urge-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/18/medications-for-overactive-bladder-or-urge-urinary-incontinence Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:20:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/18/medications-for-overactive-bladder-or-urge-urinary-incontinence

• stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
• 
  
  • stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
  • urge urinary incontinence (UUI) also called overactive bladder (OAB)
  • mixed urinary incontinence (MUI, stress plus urge)
  
  If you leak urine when you sneeze, step off a curb, or pick up a heavy object, then you most likely have SUI. If the sound of running water causes you to leak urine, or you simply leak involuntarily at odd moments, then you probably have UUI. If you have both kinds of symptoms, then you probably suffer from MUI.
  
  The good news for women who leak urine is that there are many treatment options. In this article, we cover the different kinds of medications used to treat overactive bladder, also known as UUI.
  
  Which Type of Medication Should You Take?
  Choosing the right medication for your overactive bladder or urge urinary incontinence should be a joint effort between you and your doctor. Not all medications work for all women with UUI, so it may take a little trial and error before you find the right medication for your symptoms.
  
  There are two types of medications that treat OAB or UUI: short-acting and long-acting. If you simply need a little help to get through the Sunday church service without leaking urine, then you may want to take medication that acts in the short term-for 3 to 4 hours. This kind of medicine will work for you if you can manage your urine leakage most of the time, but want to prevent urine leakage during a special event.
  
  On the other hand, if urine leakage is a more chronic problem and you need help all the time, then you need a more long-acting form of medication. You take this type of medicine once or twice a day, and the effect lasts 12 to 24 hours.
  
  Long and Short-Acting Medications for OAB or UUI
  Many medications come in both short-acting and long-acting forms. For example, tolterodine, commercially known as Detrol or Detrol LA, comes in both short and long acting forms. The same goes for oxybitynin, which comes in tablet, patch, and gel form.
  
  As you can see, there are many choices of medicine for OAB or UUI. Whether you choose a medicine that has short-acting or long-acting effects is a decision that you should make with your doctor. Other factors to consider include the side effects of each kind of medication. For instance, the class of medication called anticholinergics can cause dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, or confusion. This type of medication is also contraindicated for people who have glaucoma.
  
  Along with possible side effects, other factors to consider when choosing your medication include price, effectiveness, and length of time before the benefits are realized. Many short-acting medications produce results right away, while long-acting medications can take between five and ten days to show benefit.
  
  The point is that there are many medications available on the market approved by the FDA to treat overactive bladder or urge urinary incontinence. Medication can be a very effective conservative therapy for women's urinary incontinence, and you shouldn't give up hope if the first medication you try does not work for you. Keep consulting with your healthcare provider until you find a treatment that works for your UUI or OAB. Sometimes medication works best when combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation and other conservative therapies.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/4004791663/
  
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/14/womens-urinary-incontinence-should-you-consider-botox http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/14/womens-urinary-incontinence-should-you-consider-botox Wed, 14 Jul 2010 05:02:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/14/womens-urinary-incontinence-should-you-consider-botox
  Bummer.
  
  Conservative Treatment Options
  Luckily, there are a number of conservative [...]]]>
  Bummer.
  
  Conservative Treatment Options
  Luckily, there are a number of conservative treatments for urge urinary incontinence or overactive bladder. Some of the most commonly used treatments include:
  
  - pelvic floor exercises, or Kegels (see our ebook)
  - bladder retraining
  - fluid and diet management-
  - oral or skin patch medication
  
  For many women with urge incontinence or overactive bladder, one or more of these treatments may greatly improve or even cure their urine leakage symptoms. But for other women, these therapies don't quite take care of the problem.
  
  Should You Consider Botox for Urinary Incontinence?
  For those women whose symptoms of urge urinary incontinence or overactive bladder do not respond to the above therapies, another option includes Botox injection. Normally used to get rid of lines and wrinkles on the face, Botox injections can produce excellent results for women with unresolved urine leakage issues when injected "down there."
  
  During this procedure, which is performed under local anesthetic, Botox is injected in small doses into the bladder wall in five to thirty locations, as well as into the urinary sphincter muscle. This paralyzes the detrusor muscle, one of the bladder muscles responsible for causing the bladder to empty suddenly and on its own.
  
  Women with overactive bladder or urge urinary incontinence may still get sudden urges to urinate, but the bladder muscles become desensitized so that there is time to reach a bathroom.
  
  Most women report that the procedure isn't painful. Instead, some women experience a "pinching" sensation in the abdominal area, but feel no pain after the procedure is complete.
  
  Is Botox Right for You?
  Botox injections, while not currently FDA approved, do help women with urinary incontinence. A Swiss study conducted in 2004 reported that all participants were able to hold more urine in their bladders after the injections. Plus, participants emptied their bladders on average only four times a day instead of the typical twelve times per day.
  
  That's the good news. The bad news is that effects of Botox injections only last for six to twelve months. After that, women have to go back to the doctor for another series of injections. Each series of injections can cost upwards about $1,000, and most insurance companies will not cover this form of treatment.
  
  If you are considering getting Botox injections to deal with your women's urinary incontinence, weigh the pros and cons carefully. For some women, for whom more conventional treatments offer no relief, Botox injections are an attractive option for relieving urine leakage symptoms. Just be sure to find a competent surgeon who specializes in this kind of procedure. Your local beauty salon or medical spa won't know how to handle this procedure!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/evert-jan/72571680
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-pack-a-small-bag-when-out-and-about http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-pack-a-small-bag-when-out-and-about Sat, 10 Jul 2010 07:51:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-pack-a-small-bag-when-out-and-about
  Pack a Bag for Social [...]]]>
  Pack a Bag for Social Events
  Social events can become fun again with a little strategic planning. One way to deal with women's urinary incontinence is to pack a small bag when you have to be out and about. And don't worry, when we say "small bag" we mean small.
  
  In fact, you can fit most of these items in your purse. To be prepared to deal with potential urine leakage accidents, carry these items around with you:
  
  - an extra incontinence pad
  - a tampon (wearing a tampon can support your urethra and prevent leakage)
  - odor-neutralizing spray
  - small fragrance spray
  
  No big deal, right? The extra pad will keep you dry if you do have a urine leakage accident. The tampon will prevent further leakage, and the sprays will keep you smelling fresh and clean.
  
  Some Additional Tips for Social Events
  In addition to packing some extra supplies, you can also minimize embarrassment if you do have an accident by doing the following:
  
  - watch what you eat and drink
  - practice bladder retraining or timed voiding
  - wearing dark clothing
  
  Sounds simple, right? It can be. A little effort goes a long way when you deal with women's urinary incontinence.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aakashtaniya/3024300922 /
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/06/womens-urinary-incontinence-do-you-need-a-note-from-your-doctor http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/06/womens-urinary-incontinence-do-you-need-a-note-from-your-doctor Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:56:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/06/womens-urinary-incontinence-do-you-need-a-note-from-your-doctor
  While you might be thinking that the days of [...]]]>
  While you might be thinking that the days of getting a "hall pass" to go to the bathroom ended in high school, if you have women's urinary incontinence you might find that a note from your doctor will really help you at work.
  
  Let Your Doctor Do the Talking
  Urinary incontinence is an issue that women have difficulty discussing, even with their own doctors. This health issue is also a very private matter, which means that you probably don't want everyone you work with to know about your condition.
  
  At the same time, you still have to deal with urine leakage accidents and the need to visit the bathroom frequently, often at the most inopportune times. This can be embarrassing and potentially cause problems at work, especially if you have to suddenly leave an important meeting to run for the bathroom.
  
  Getting a note from your doctor that simply explains that you have a medical condition which requires you to get up every two hours can solve the problem. May Wakamatsu, MD, chief of Vincent Urogynecoloy in Boston, indicates that it's not necessary to tell your employer the exact details of your medical condition. Instead, she says, "All you need to say is, 'I have a medical problem that requires treatment.'"
  
  Dr. Wakamatsu has written notes to this effect for her women patients to give to their employers. This note gives women the freedom to go to the bathroom often without having to explain the frequency of their absences. Dr. Wakamatsu adds, "It's a very private, personal problem - and I'm not sure you need to explain it at work."
  
  We agree. What's up down there is a personal and very private issue. Getting a note from your doctor may be the perfect way to let your employer know that you have a diagnosed medical condition that requires you to step away from your work every couple hours. Then there's no need to explain. Let the note from your doctor do all the explaining.
  
  We encourage you to explore the option of getting a note from your doctor if the symptoms of your women's urinary incontinence have been getting in your way at work. It is one more approach to help you simplify the way that you handle your urinary incontinence.
  
  Also, check out our free "What's Up Down There" ebook for more information on pelvic floor health and how you can improve yours!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffk/1586823/
  
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/02/womens-urinary-incontinence-3-ways-to-avoid-accidents http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/02/womens-urinary-incontinence-3-ways-to-avoid-accidents Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:35:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/07/02/womens-urinary-incontinence-3-ways-to-avoid-accidents
  Dealing with the embarrassment, mess, and smell [...]]]>
  Dealing with the embarrassment, mess, and smell of urinary leakage accidents can literally be a pain in the rear. That's why most women with this condition do everything they can do to avoid accidents. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent urine leakage. Below are three that help many women stay dry.
  
  Three Steps to Avoid Urinary Leakage Accidents
  While there are many ways to avoid leaking urine while you are out and about, here are three of the simplest steps that will help you stay dry.
  
  Step 1: Stick to a Bathroom Schedule
  By now scouting bathroom locations might be second nature for you. Since you have taken such pains to find bathrooms everywhere you go, maximize the "map of bathrooms" in your head by using those bathrooms on a schedule.
  
  To make use of a bathroom schedule, you first have to figure out how long you can go between bathroom visits. To find out, time yourself during the day. If you can hold your urine for about an hour before you absolutely must go, then start with a bathroom schedule that has you going to the bathroom every hour, whether you feel the need to go or not.
  
  Once you can stick to the hour-long bathroom schedule, your next goal is to extend the gaps in your bathroom schedule by 10 minutes. For instance, if your current bathroom schedule is on an hourly basis, extend the time between visits by 10 minutes, so that you are visiting the bathroom every 70 minutes. Keep extending the gaps between bathroom breaks in this way until you are going to the bathroom every 2-3 hours.
  
  Finally, be sure to stick to your schedule. Congratulations, you have just trained your bladder by using a bathroom schedule. As a result, you should be able to avoid embarrassing urine leakage accidents.
  
  Step 2: Take Your Time in the Bathroom
  Once you've got a bathroom schedule down pat, the next step is to take your time in the bathroom and practice something called "double voiding." To double void, urinate and then relax for a bit. Then urinate again. This is double voiding, and ensures that you really empty your bladder. You may be experiencing leakage accidents because you don't fully empty your bladder when you urinate. Taking your time when you are in the bathroom and practicing double voiding will help you avoid urine leakage accidents.
  
  Step 3: Try the Tampon Trick
  This last step is as simple as it is effective - just wear a tampon to decrease urine leakage. A tampon exerts pressure on the urethra, and adds a little extra support "down there." Wearing a tampon is especially useful to avoid leakage accidents when you jog, exercise, or participate in activities that usually cause leakage.
  
  Simple Solutions for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  Conservative tips like the ones mentioned in this article help many women with urinary incontinence avoid leakage accidents. Of course, not all tips works for all women all the time, but these simple tips are worth a try. Remember, with conservative therapies for women's urinary incontinence, you might have to try a variety of options (or combination of options) before you find what works for you. The key is to be persistent and not give up!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carabou/139312545/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/25/womens-urinary-incontinence-protecting-your-skin http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/25/womens-urinary-incontinence-protecting-your-skin Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:20:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/25/womens-urinary-incontinence-protecting-your-skin If you suffer from urinary incontinence, then you probably know that protecting your skin is really important.
  
  Women with urinary incontinence have a higher risk of rashes and skin problems than normal. This is because skin is normally acidic, which keeps harmful bacteria away, but when skin comes in contact with urine [...]]]> If you suffer from urinary incontinence, then you probably know that protecting your skin is really important.
  
  Women with urinary incontinence have a higher risk of rashes and skin problems than normal. This is because skin is normally acidic, which keeps harmful bacteria away, but when skin comes in contact with urine it becomes moist and more alkaline.
  
  The resulting moist alkaline environment can no longer keep bacteria and yeast away, which can eventually lead to rashes and skin infections. That's why it is important to take extra care of your skin if you have urine leakage.
  
  How to Protect Your Skin After Urine Leakage
  Protecting your skin is especially important after a urine leakage accident. To care for your skin right after urine leakage, take the following steps:
  
  
  • Use mild soap and cool water to wash your skin. Be thorough, including cleaning skin folds well.
  • Rinse well with cool water, and be sure to rinse off all the soap residue (soap residue causes dry skin, which can cause further irritation).
  • Pat your skin dry with a clean cloth or air dry. Resist rubbing, as this can chafe your skin.
  • If you wash your skin frequently, you might want to consider using disposable wipes or a perineal cleanser. These products contain milder cleansing agents, some are also pH-balanced for the skin and have antimicrobials that act against harmful bacteria.
  
  Finally, if you have frequent urine leakage, you want to consider putting a moisture barrier on your skin. Products that contain lanolin or petroleum jelly work well. Other products to consider include cortisone cream to guard against rash and skin irritation, and anti-fungal powder to keep your skin dry.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinecity/786584004 /
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-as-a-post-partum-issue http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-as-a-post-partum-issue Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:27:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-as-a-post-partum-issue
  Millions of post-partum women are shocked when they return to their pre-delivery lifestyle and find themselves leaking during their morning jog or every time they pick up their baby. These women [...]]]>
  Millions of post-partum women are shocked when they return to their pre-delivery lifestyle and find themselves leaking during their morning jog or every time they pick up their baby. These women often have no idea that vaginal deliveries can damage the pelvic floor muscles, causing UI symptoms.
  
  Get this:
  
  Studies indicate that women who have given birth are two-and-a-half times as likely to suffer from urinary incontinence than women who have never given birth.
  
  Lack of satisfying sex can be another unexpected result of having a baby, with 22-86 percent of post-partum women experiencing short term changes in sexual function. While most of these women love being mothers, they are often surprised by the UI and sexual issues that come with the baby.
  
  Unfortunately many post-partum women are told to do Kegel exercises but are not necessarily instructed on how to do these exercises correctly. Of the women who are given written instructions on how to do Kegels, 50% of them are unable to do a correct pelvic floor contraction. They experience poor results and simply assume that Kegels are ineffective.
  
  Luckily, there are steps any post-partum mother can take to ensure that not only is she doing a correct Kegel, but that the Kegels will be effective for her. One good place to start would be with our "What's Up Down There?" ebook, which offers 2 simple home tests so you can discover the strength of your pelvic floor plus troubleshooting directions for how to do a correct Kegel!
  
  Download the "What's Up Down There" ebook here.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mister_tee/3735225132 /
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/11/womens-urinary-incontinence-a-case-of-dont-ask-dont-tell http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/11/womens-urinary-incontinence-a-case-of-dont-ask-dont-tell Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:46:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/11/womens-urinary-incontinence-a-case-of-dont-ask-dont-tell
  Nevertheless, women's urinary incontinence is becoming a very prevalent condition, as common [...]]]>
  Nevertheless, women's urinary incontinence is becoming a very prevalent condition, as common as diabetes or arthritis, and it affects women of all ages, not just women of the baby boomer generation.
  
  So why don't more women seek help?
  
  The Case of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
  A quick look at the statistics tells a powerful story of why more women suffering from urinary incontinence don't get help.
  
  
  • Women's urinary incontinence is rarely brought up during routine doctor visits.
  • 25% of women surveyed said they were too embarrassed to raise the issue.
  • 68% of doctors say it is difficult to treat patients who are too embarrassed to talk about their health problem.
  • Urinary incontinence tops of the list "embarrassing issues" women won't raise with their doctor.
  • 64% surveyed felt that their urinary incontinence wasn't enough of a problem, so they didn't bring it up.
  • Only 30% of family practice doctors routinely raise the issue.
  
  Are you starting to get the picture here? As a health condition that really needs to be addressed, urinary incontinence is stuck in the strange limbo between "Don't ask" and "Don't tell."
  
  What to Do About "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
  The person with the greatest power in this limbo of "don't ask, don't tell" is you, of course. If you have women's urinary incontinence, then the best way to ensure that you get the help you need is to be a strong health advocate for yourself. Make an appointment with your doctor specifically to discuss this issue. Then prepare yourself to get the most out of your appointment. Here are some articles that might you do just that:
  
  Find the Right Doctor
  Prepare for Your Appointment
  What Questions Will Your Doctor Ask?I
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kradlum/2497522292/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-risk-factors-for-sui http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-risk-factors-for-sui Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:00:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-risk-factors-for-sui stress urinary incontinence, or SUI.
  
  As the name suggests, SUI is the condition where you [...]]]> stress urinary incontinence, or SUI.
  
  As the name suggests, SUI is the condition where you leak urine when you "stress" the bladder or increase the intra-abdominal pressure. Just standing up or stepping off a curb can cause leakage--which can be discouraging to even the most optimistic of women.
  
  Recent studies show that 26% of women over the age of 18 have experienced SUI. Experts estimate that general urinary incontinence affects 18 million women in the U.S. Specifically it affects 33% of women ages 45 to 64, and 24% of women ages 25 to 44. Sixty percent of women who have urinary incontinence suffer from SUI, which is the most common form of incontinence.
  
  Risk Factors for SUI
  Certain factors can put you at risk for developing SUI. These include any activities that weaken the pelvic floor muscles, such as chronic coughing. Specifically, risk factors for SUI include:
  
  
  • Being female (twice as many women have SUI than men)
  • Childbirth
  • Chronic coughing (such as chronic bronchitis and asthma)
  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Steroid Use
  • Smoking
  
  The good news is that conservative therapies, such as medication and weight loss, often vastly improve SUI symptoms. For instance, in one study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, women who lost 8 percent of their body weight, or about 17 pounds, reduced their leakage incidences by almost half. That's a lot!
  
  Want to learn more? Read up on SUI here:
  
  Is This You?
  About Stress Urinary Incontinence
  How the Story Ends
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alosojos/304603500
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/04/womens-urinary-incontinence-how-to-minimize-odors http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/04/womens-urinary-incontinence-how-to-minimize-odors Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:11:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/04/womens-urinary-incontinence-how-to-minimize-odors
  For instance, to reduce urine odors you can:
  
  - Stay Hydrated: If you become dehydrated, [...]]]>
  For instance, to reduce urine odors you can:
  
  - Stay Hydrated: If you become dehydrated, your urine will become more concentrated and have a stronger smell.
  
  - Take Urine Deodorizing Supplements: Supplements like Vitamin C contain ascorbic acid, which lower the pH of your urine and decrease its smell. Non-citrus juices such as cranberry, apple, pear, and cherry also work well. In addition, you can try deodorizing products such as Nullo.
  
  - Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Certain foods and drinks, such as asparagus or coffee, can increase the odor of urine. Avoid these kinds of foods to lessen the odor of urine.
  
  - Clean with Vinegar or Baking Soda: Clean your clothing or mattress with either baking soda or vinegar to eliminate odors. Use two parts water with one part white vinegar, or two parts water with one part baking soda. Avoid using bleach, which is harsh and does not dissolve urine crystals well.
  
  - Use Good Hygiene: One of the best ways to avoid urine odor is to practice good hygiene. Keep yourself and your clothes clean.
  
  - Use Scented Pads or Liners: Scented absorbent products can often combat the odor of urine after a leakage accident.
  
  All of these steps can help you feel more confident as you go about your day, in spite of urinary incontinence. Since urine odor tops the list of "embarrassing situations" for women with urinary incontinence, knowing that you smell fresh is important, and hopefully these tips will help!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dm-set/3641789129 /
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/01/womens-urinary-incontinence-getting-the-word-out http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/01/womens-urinary-incontinence-getting-the-word-out Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:54:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/06/01/womens-urinary-incontinence-getting-the-word-out
  With all that good news, doctors are saying that there remains one [...]]]>
  With all that good news, doctors are saying that there remains one giant hurdle for treating women's urinary incontinence:
  
  Getting the word out so that women will seek help.
  
  Women Don't Seek Help for Urinary Incontinence
  The truth of the matter is that there are twice as many women who suffer from urinary incontinence as there are women who actually seek help. Many who do seek help wait an average of almost 7 years before doing so. The top two reasons women give for not seeking help are:
  
  "I'm too embarrassed to talk about it."
  
  "It's not enough of a problem. I don't need help."
  
  While these could be considered valid reasons for not seeking help, those women who don't seek help might also want to consider these factors:
  
  
  • Life is stressful enough without having to deal with urine leakage.
  • The earlier urinary incontinence is treated, the more successful the therapy.
  • Early treatment often means that conservative (non-surgical) methods will be successful.
  • Women are twice as prone to some forms of urinary incontinence (such as stress incontinence) than men. That gives women twice the reason to seek help.
  
  Are those enough reasons to seek help? We hope so. There is a wealth of help out there for women suffering from urinary incontinence. You just have to ask. Need help with the words? Here are some ways to get you the help you need:
  
  What Questions Will Your Doctor Ask?
  3 Steps to Prepare for Your Doctor's Appointment
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/28/womens-urinary-incontinence-use-the-right-absorbent-products http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/28/womens-urinary-incontinence-use-the-right-absorbent-products Fri, 28 May 2010 13:45:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/28/womens-urinary-incontinence-use-the-right-absorbent-products
  Absorbent Products for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  Choosing the right absorbent products to [...]]]>
  Absorbent Products for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  Choosing the right absorbent products to deal with urinary incontinence depends on the severity of your leakage. For instance, if you only leak light amounts of urine, up to ¾ of a cup, then panty liners or sanitary pads will usually do the job.
  
  For more moderate to heavy leakage, more than ¾ of a cup, you will be better off using specific products designed for urinary incontinence. These include open-sided undergarments, protective underwear, fitted briefs, and refastenable underwear. These are the typical kinds of products that fall into the category of "adult diapers."
  
  Luckily, today's adult diapers are much more streamlined and comfortable than baby diapers. Many of the products are made of soft cloth-like material, and feel similar to regular underwear.
  
  There are also re-usable versions of urinary incontinence products, which usually consist of a plastic or rubber outer protective layer, and replaceable pads on the inside. While these re-usable products cost less to use than disposable products (which can cost $200-$400 per month and are usually not covered by insurance), many women find these products uncomfortable to wear because they do not "breathe."
  
  Products for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  The bottom line for choosing the right absorbent product to deal with your urinary incontinence is that you will probably have to try several different products and brands before you find a solution that fits. Your choice needs to do three things:
  
  1. Handle your urinary leakage issues
  2. Fit your budget
  3. Meet your comfort needs
  
  There is, of course, always the option of exploring treatment options for women's urinary incontinence with your doctor. Coping with urine leakage is one thing ... curing it is a whole different approach. Even if you have already tried a conservative therapy or two for urine leakage, you shouldn't be discouraged if they didn't cure your problem right away. Sometimes a combination of multiple conservative therapies may be needed, or even minor surgery, to correct your urinary incontinence.
  
  If you still seek more solutions for your urinary incontinence, these resources may help:
  
  Find the Right Doctor
  Discreet Online Resources for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  How the Story EndsI
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/24/womens-urinary-incontinence-do-you-have-the-kegel-habit http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/24/womens-urinary-incontinence-do-you-have-the-kegel-habit Mon, 24 May 2010 08:04:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/24/womens-urinary-incontinence-do-you-have-the-kegel-habit
  Why is that? Are Kegels ineffective, unpopular, or too difficult to do?
  
  Nope. [...]]]>
  Why is that? Are Kegels ineffective, unpopular, or too difficult to do?
  
  Nope.
  
  None of these are the reason that very few women have make a habit of doing Kegels. As a matter of fact, just the opposite is true. Done correctly, Kegels are a very effective form of conservative therapy for women's urinary incontinence. Kegels are also helpful to maintain pelvic floor tone, which can definitely transform an intimate moment from "not to hot."
  
  If Kegels can be so effective for so many women, why don't more women do Kegels?
  
  Why More Women Don't Have the Kegel Habit
  When it comes to habits, it is sometimes useful to consider what forms a habit. To create a habit, according to effectiveness expert Stephen R. Covey, you need three things:
  
  - knowledge
  - skill
  - desire
  
  Knowledge of Kegels
  Most women know about Kegels ... at least they have heard of them. Many women have actually been handed instructions on how to do Kegels, usually by their doctors. Some women have even researched Kegels on the internet, and have tried them. So information about Kegels is readily available to any woman who seeks it.
  
  Kegel Skills
  When it comes to Kegel skills, though, women run into a bit of a problem. While many women have tried Kegels, half or more of these women are not doing them correctly. Studies have shown that half of all women who learn Kegels from written instructions alone are doing the exercise incorrectly. Rather than contracting the pelvic floor muscles, these women tighten other muscles, such as buttock or thigh muscles. Of course, tightening the wrong muscles won't help resolve issues of urine leakage or decreased sexual sensation.
  
  This is one reason that most women don't have a Kegel habit.
  
  Desire to do Kegels
  While many women say they will do Kegels regularly, most find they forget to do them. Either their urinary incontinence doesn't bother them enough that they are forced to integrate Kegels into their lives, or they have simply given up and have fallen into the mode of "coping rather than curing."
  
  Here we discover the second reason that most women don't have a Kegel habit. There isn't enough desire to integrate Kegels into daily life.
  
  Why More Women SHOULD Have a Kegel Habit
  With one out of every four women above the age of 18 suffering from urine leakage, and with the Kegel's proven effectiveness, more women really should get into a Kegel habit. Women's urinary incontinence is not a chronic incurable condition. Eight out of ten women can see symptom improvement with the right kind of therapy ... therapy that often involves Kegels.
  
  Kegels are simple to do (once you learn how), and can be used discreetly anywhere you are, whether you are sitting in your car at a stoplight or standing in line at the grocery store. Kegels can prevent urine leakage when you pick up your child or step off a curb. A good habit of doing correct Kegels can improve or even totally resolve urinary incontinence issues.
  
  Two Simple Steps to a Kegel Habit
  If doing Kegels correctly as a conservative therapy for women's urinary incontinence sounds good to you, here are two simple steps you need to take to create your own Kegel habit:
  
  1. Realize the Effect of Urinary Incontinence on Your Life
  If you have fallen into a coping mode, chances are that you are blind to how much you have arranged your life around your urinary incontinence. Perhaps you have to carry pads or diapers, maybe your social life has dwindled, or maybe you don't go places unless you have mapped out bathrooms ahead of time. These are all coping mechanisms that impact your life in a big way. Once you realize how much of your life is centered around your urinary incontinence, you will have the desire to learn how to do Kegels correctly, and do them as a habit.
  
  2. Learn to do Kegels Correctly
  The majority of women who say Kegels are ineffective do not do Kegels correctly. As mentioned above, they tend to tighten the wrong muscles, or fail to tighten any muscles at all. If you are going to commit to a Kegel habit, learn to do a correct Kegel first. We suggest you start with our "What's Up Down There" ebook to test the tone of your pelvic floor and learn step-by-step how to do a correct Kegel. If you need hands on help, we suggest you contact a urogynecologist of physical therapist who can help you locate the correct pelvic muscles to engage.
  
  Once you see how much urinary incontinence is affecting your life, and how effective Kegels can be at resolving your urine leakage problems, you'll be gung-ho to have a Kegel habit. You'll be a Kegel poster child, taking your Kegels to the grocery story, to the office, and everywhere on-the-go.
  
  Commit to sticking with your Kegel habit for at least 40 days, and journal your results. A journal will help you see small progressive steps throughout the process, which will motivate you to stick to your Kegel habit.
  
  Give it a try ... you WILL amaze yourself.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeronimo_palacios/2747024442/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/19/womens-urinary-incontinence-linked-to-depression http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/19/womens-urinary-incontinence-linked-to-depression Wed, 19 May 2010 07:23:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/19/womens-urinary-incontinence-linked-to-depression
  Depressed women are 148% more likely to be affected by women's urinary incontinence than women who were [...]]]>
  Depressed women are 148% more likely to be affected by women's urinary incontinence than women who were not depressed.
  
  So what's going on here ... or down there?
  
  Which Comes First: Urinary Incontinence or Depression?
  When it comes to women's urinary incontinence and depression, the question of which condition shows up first may be akin to the question about chickens and eggs. Either condition could trigger the other.
  
  Dr. Melville points out that neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are affected by depression, may also affect the brain chemicals that control the bladder. This means that chemical changes in the brain brought on by depression may also contribute to the onset of women's urinary incontinence.
  
  For instance, in one study, conducted by researchers from the University of Virginia and University of Michigan, it was reported that women who were depressed after giving birth had a higher incidence of urge urinary incontinence than new mothers who were not depressed. This study, presented at the 2005 meeting of the American Urogynecologic Society in Atlanta, clearly links post-partum depression with women's urinary incontinence.
  
  On the other hand, as Dr. Melville states, women's urinary incontinence is a difficult chronic condition to deal with, and can lead to depression. Specifically, she says, "Incontinence so severely affects some women's quality of life that they may become socially isolated and embarrassed. And, over time, that could lead to depression."
  
  So what comes first: women's urinary incontinence or depression? Researchers are not clear yet, but there is a definite condition between the two conditions. Luckily, both conditions are treatable.
  
  For resources on women's urinary incontinence, we suggest you start with our no-frills free ebook on women's pelvic floor health:
  
  Download the "What's Up Down There?" Ebook
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us , download our ebook , or follow us on Twitter .
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blatantnews/4013906048 /
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/07/womens-urinary-incontinence-and-pelvic-floor-stimulation http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/07/womens-urinary-incontinence-and-pelvic-floor-stimulation Fri, 07 May 2010 08:03:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/07/womens-urinary-incontinence-and-pelvic-floor-stimulation
  As the name implies, pelvic floor stimulation involves the use of very light electrical impulses to stimulate the [...]]]>
  As the name implies, pelvic floor stimulation involves the use of very light electrical impulses to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles into contracting. Before you freak out, know that the stimulation is neither painful nor scary. It is effective for many women who have weakened pelvic floor muscles.
  
  How Pelvic Floor Stimulation Works
  As with biofeedback, the stimulation is delivered through either a tampon-like device inserted into the vagina, or stick-on electrodes placed around the anus. The electrodes are then connected to a machine that delivers a very controlled amount of electrical stimulation.
  
  Many women describe the sensation of pelvic floor stimulation as a tightening and lifting of the pelvic floor muscles. Others find the sensation more like a tingling or tapping sensation, and it is never painful.
  
  Pelvic floor stimulation is an effective conservative therapy for women's urinary incontinence, and stress urinary incontinence in particular. This therapy treats the nerves which control the pelvic floor muscles, and can help women strengthen these muscles. While home pelvic floor stimulation machines are available, for the most part this therapy is done under the supervision of a physical therapist, nurse specialist, or physician specializing in urinary incontinence.
  
  If you feel that this kind of therapy would help you resolve your urinary incontinence issues, ask your physician or urologist. If they are not knowledgeable about this kind of therapy, chances are that they can refer you to a specialist who can help you.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_mcmt/2600951551 /
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/05/kegels-are-you-doing-them-correctly-and-could-biofeedback-help http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/05/kegels-are-you-doing-them-correctly-and-could-biofeedback-help Wed, 05 May 2010 08:00:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/05/kegels-are-you-doing-them-correctly-and-could-biofeedback-help Get this: studies show that 50% of women cannot do a correct Kegel (or pelvic floor muscle contraction) when guided only by written instructions.
  
  It's true. Sad, but true.
  
  There are lots of women out there earnestly doing Kegels, but incorrectly. Many women mistakenly tighten their buttock, thigh, [...]]]> Get this: studies show that 50% of women cannot do a correct Kegel (or pelvic floor muscle contraction) when guided only by written instructions.
  
  It's true. Sad, but true.
  
  There are lots of women out there earnestly doing Kegels, but incorrectly. Many women mistakenly tighten their buttock, thigh, or abdominal muscles instead of their pelvic floor muscles when doing a Kegel. While this may get them in shape for bikini weather, it won't tone the muscles needed to prevent urinary incontinence ... or increase sexual satisfaction.
  
  Biofeedback: One Way to Ensure a Correct Kegel
  If you are not sure whether you are doing your Kegel exercises correctly, or you are not getting the desired results, then you may want to consider biofeedback. Biofeedback uses a computerized device which tells you, with pictures and/or sounds, whether you are tightening the right muscles during a Kegel contraction.
  
  There are several types of biofeedback machines available, and most are used as part of a therapy session guided by a nurse specialist or physical therapist. Usually, one of two types of sensors is used in biofeedback therapy. One is a tampon-like sensor that is placed inside the vagina. The other is an external sensor that is placed just outside the anus.
  
  These sensors are then connected to a computer, which converts the electrical activity from your muscles (as you do a Kegel) into either pictures or sounds that are "fed back" to you. You will actually see and/or hear when you are tightening the correct pelvic floor muscles, and when you are not.
  
  The job of the physical therapist or nurse specialist is to guide you in using the biofeedback machine until you can properly locate and contract your pelvic floor muscles. You then become much more aware of your pelvic floor muscles, and eventually can do correct Kegel contractions without the biofeedback machine. This kind of biofeedback therapy has been shown to be effective in resolving symptoms of women's urinary incontinence.
  
  So, if you aren't sure whether you are doing Kegels correctly, or your results are less than satisfactory, consider seeking the help of a physical therapist offering biofeedback therapy.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/basykes/430036922/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/03/stress-urinary-incontinence-did-you-know-there-are-two-types http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/03/stress-urinary-incontinence-did-you-know-there-are-two-types Mon, 03 May 2010 13:53:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/05/03/stress-urinary-incontinence-did-you-know-there-are-two-types
  The more you know about urinary incontinence, the more you can act as your own powerful healthcare advocate.
  
  If you have stress urinary [...]]]>
  The more you know about urinary incontinence, the more you can act as your own powerful healthcare advocate.
  
  If you have stress urinary incontinence, then here's some information you'll want to know: there are actually two types of stress urinary incontinence.
  
  The Two Types of Stress Urinary Incontinence
  As the name suggests, with stress urinary incontinence you leak urine when you put stress on your abdominal cavity. This can happen when you sneeze, cough, step off a curb, or jump around during aerobics class. Depending on the severity of your case, "stress" can range from something as powerful as a high kick in a karate class to something as low-key as standing up.
  
  So why does "stress" to the abdominal cavity cause urine leakage? There are two reasons, hence two types of stress urinary incontinence. The two types are:
  
  
  • urethral hypermobility
  • intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD)
  
  With urethral hypermobility, when the abdominal pressure increases, the urethra shifts position, allowing urine to leak out. With ISD, the urethra doesn't move but the ring of muscles that seal the bladder and keep it from leaking does not seal properly, which also allows urine leakage.
  
  Most physicians believe that the majority of women with stress urinary incontinence have at least some degree of ISD.
  
  What You Can Do About Stress Urinary Incontinence
  There are many conservative therapies that you can try to alleviate your urinary leakage problems. For instance, many physicians recommend one or more of the following:
  
  
  • Kegels or pelvic floor muscle exercises (more info in our free ebook)
  • Weight loss
  • Stopping smoking
  • Medication
  • Avoidance of certain food or drinks
  
  Even if you have tried one of these therapies with little or no success, it's worth your while to combine two or more of therapies to see if you get a better result. Many women cannot resolve their urine leakage with a single approach, but have good results when they combine conservative treatments. Give it a try!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdclxvi/108038435/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/30/womens-urinary-incontinence-twice-as-likely-occur-as-mens http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/30/womens-urinary-incontinence-twice-as-likely-occur-as-mens Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:11:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/30/womens-urinary-incontinence-twice-as-likely-occur-as-mens Did you know that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from urinary incontinence?
  
  What's up with that?
  
  Unfortunately, ladies, it is true-sad, but true.
  
  Women experience urinary incontinence two times more often than men ... and that's because women go through all kinds of life [...]]]> Did you know that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from urinary incontinence?
  
  What's up with that?
  
  Unfortunately, ladies, it is true-sad, but true.
  
  Women experience urinary incontinence two times more often than men ... and that's because women go through all kinds of life experiences that men never do.
  
  Women's Urinary Incontinence and Life Experiences
  What experiences do women have that men never do? Here's a list:
  
  - pregnancy
  - childbirth
  - menopause
  - the structure of the female urinary tract
  
  Pregnancy and Childbirth
  Pregnancy and childbirth are "no brainers" when it comes to causing women's urinary incontinence. Both of these events, though joyous, can stretch and strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments "down there." The result is a weakened pelvic floor, and an increased chance of urine leakage.
  
  Menopause
  Menopause, another life experience unique to women, brings about many hormonal changes that can lead to urinary incontinence. For instance, at the onset of menopause, estrogen levels in a woman's body tend to drop. Estrogen is important for keeping the bladder strong, maintaining the health of the urinary tract lining, and keeping the vaginal wall thick. When the levels of estrogen drop, all of these organs suffer, and the result is often urinary incontinence.
  
  The Structure of the Female Urinary Tract
  Finally, as if pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause were not enough to deal with, women are also endowed with a urinary tract that is anatomically more likely to leak urine. It turns out that men have a longer urethra, and their entire anatomy for handling urine is much better for preventing urine leakage. Says Jean Fourcroy, MD, a Washington D.C. urologist, a consultant to Walter Reed Army Hospital, and former Food and Drug Administration medical examiner, "[Men are] in an anatomically better position to control [urine] until they get to the bathroom."
  
  How Can Women Beat the Odds?
  While it is true that women are twice as likely to suffer from urinary incontinence, for all the reasons listed above, there is no reason to allow yourself to become just another statistic. Instead, take action now to beat the odds. Whether or not you currently have urinary incontinence, now is the time to begin strengthening your pelvic floor muscles to prevent and/or decrease urine leakage.
  
  Don't know how? Our handy dandy step-by-step ebook will walk you through not only how to test the strength of your pelvic floor muscles, but also how to do correct Kegels to strengthen your muscles "down there."
  
  The ebook is free and knowledge is power, so what are you waiting for?
  
  Download the ebook "What's Up Down There?" here
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sylvar/3360734315/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/28/womens-urinary-incontinence-affected-by-mental-changes http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/28/womens-urinary-incontinence-affected-by-mental-changes Wed, 28 Apr 2010 06:53:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/28/womens-urinary-incontinence-affected-by-mental-changes
  What we do mean is that mental changes can often be [...]]]>
  What we do mean is that mental changes can often be the triggering factor that either causes women to start having urinary incontinence or worsens existing symptoms.
  
  Mental Changes and Women's Urinary Incontinence
  It turns out that there are three major mental changes that can contribute to women's urinary incontinence. These are:
  
  
  • Severe depression
  • Confusion or delirium
  • Severe memory loss
  
  Severe depression contributes to urinary incontinence because often a severely depressed woman lacks the motivation to get up and go to the bathroom. With this level of depression, a woman lacks the incentive to take daily care of herself, including attending to bathroom needs.
  
  Confusion or delirium, which can be caused by illness or medications, often results in urinary incontinence. In these cases, the person either is not aware of the urge to urinate, or cannot find the bathroom in time.
  
  Finally, severe memory loss can affect a person's ability to find a bathroom, or remember toileting procedures. Whether because of an accident or illness, such as a stroke, a woman who was previously continent may now become incontinent because she cannot remember where to go when she has to urinate, or what to do once she finds the bathroom.
  
  Depending on whether these three types of mental changes-depression, confusion, or memory loss-are permanent, chances are that when the mental issue is resolved, the urinary incontinence issues will also be resolved.
  
  To learn more about the different kinds of women's urinary incontinence, click the link below:
  
  Is This You?
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/whatmegsaid/3160344723/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/26/womens-urinary-incontinence-medications-causing-trouble http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/26/womens-urinary-incontinence-medications-causing-trouble Mon, 26 Apr 2010 06:44:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/26/womens-urinary-incontinence-medications-causing-trouble If you suffer from women's urinary incontinence, you may want to examine the medications you are taking. Some of them may be contributing to your urine leakage.
  
  Diuretic Drugs Can Worsen Urinary Incontinence
  For example, any medications that are diuretics or "water pills" greatly increase urine output, which [...]]]> If you suffer from women's urinary incontinence, you may want to examine the medications you are taking. Some of them may be contributing to your urine leakage.
  
  Diuretic Drugs Can Worsen Urinary Incontinence
  For example, any medications that are diuretics or "water pills" greatly increase urine output, which can make your urinary incontinence symptoms worse than ever. Many medications prescribed for high blood pressure are diuretics, as are some over-the-counter pills such as Dramamine and some PMS-medications.
  
  Any of these diuretic drugs can overwhelm your bladder's ability to "hold" urine, so you end up with urine leakage. This is especially true if your pelvic floor muscles are already weakened.
  
  Other Drugs that Worsen Women's Urinary Incontinence
  Sedative or tranquilizer drugs can also worsen symptoms of urinary incontinence because they slow your reflexes, and reduce your awareness of the urge to urinate. In other words, your brain might get the signal that you need to urinate, but is too slow to respond before you have an accident.
  
  Anti-seizure medications such as thioridazine and haloperidol, which are known to have an alpha-blocker effect, can cause night time urine leakage. Anti-Parkinsonism drugs are also known to cause urinary incontinence.
  
  In addition, any medications that cause chronic constipation or a constant cough can worsen urine leakage, since both of these situations tend to increase abdominal pressure. Constipation and chronic coughing are both factors that contribute to stress urinary incontinence symptoms.
  
  What's a Woman with Urinary Incontinence to Do?
  As you can see, any number of medications can affect your body's ability to control urine flow. If you suffer from women's urinary incontinence and are struggling to resolve your symptoms, check with your doctor whether any of the medications you are currently taking may be contributing to your symptoms.
  
  If so, your doctor can often prescribe a different medication that will not cause or worsen urinary incontinence symptoms. Don't be afraid to discuss this situation with your doctor. Medications affect different people in different ways. Find out if your medications are making your urine leakage symptoms worse.
  
  As always, being a strong health advocate for your own health is the best way to ensure you get the help you want and need for your urinary incontinence. So don't be shy ... keep asking until you get the answers you seek!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/psyberartist/2447542822/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/20/do-high-impact-exercises-cause-womens-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/20/do-high-impact-exercises-cause-womens-urinary-incontinence Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:30:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/20/do-high-impact-exercises-cause-womens-urinary-incontinence
  No ... but there's more to the story than a simple one-word answer.
  
  According to a study by Ingrid E. Nygaard, M.D., prolonged [...]]]>
  No ... but there's more to the story than a simple one-word answer.
  
  According to a study by Ingrid E. Nygaard, M.D., prolonged high-impact activity does not contribute to women's urinary incontinence later in life. Nygaard's study compared women Olympic athletes who participated in high-impact sports, such as gymnastics and track-and-field, with female Olympian swimmers (low-impact).
  
  In the study, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of urinary incontinence symptoms between the women who did high-impact sports and the women who participated in low-impact sports.
  
  In other words, participation in high-impact sports does not cause women's urinary incontinence later in life.
  
  The Exception to the Rule ...
  However, women who already have urinary incontinence will find that participation in high-impact sports may worsen their existing symptoms. Studies indicate that women who experience urine leakage, especially from stress urinary incontinence (SUI), leak less when they participate in lower-impact exercises, such as swimming or walking.
  
  Luckily, any woman who experiences urinary incontinence can use a variety of conservative approaches to reduce symptoms, and can often return to a regular exercise routine.
  
  If you leak urine and would like to return to your regular exercise program, a great place to start is to test the strength of your pelvic floor muscles, and then learn to do a correct pelvic floor contraction, also called a Kegel. It's all in our free ebook called "What's Up Down There?"
  
  Download the Ebook Here
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alza06/3808897758/
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-when-you-gotta-go-at-night http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-when-you-gotta-go-at-night Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:25:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-when-you-gotta-go-at-night
  This is a symptom of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) or urge urinary incontinence (UUI) or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). It is also, according to the women who suffer from this problem, downright frustrating!
  
  What Can You Do About Urinary Incontinence at Night?
  Luckily, depending on the severity of symptoms, you can take steps to decrease urine leakage at night, or limit the amount of cleanup necessary. Here are three do-it-yourself steps you might want to try.
  
  1. Bladder Retraining
  Bladder retraining involves urinating at regular intervals during the day, whether you feel like you need to go or not. The goal is the increase the interval of time so that you urinate less and less frequently during the day. This will often relieve symptoms of nighttime urine leakage.
  
  To assist you with bladder retraining, you may need to program your cell phone or a small timer to "beep" at certain intervals, reminding you to go to the bathroom. For instance, during the first week you may want to set the timer for an hour or 90 minutes. If you feel the urge to urinate before your timer has beeped, breathe deeply and relax. Do a Kegel or pelvic floor contraction or two or suppress the urge. Then urinate at the appointed time.
  
  Each week gradually increase the interval between bathroom visits until you have reached a 3 hour interval. At this point you should definitely see improvement in your nighttime urine leakage symptoms.
  
  2. Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Muscles
  When you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with Kegels, they will help hold everything in place "down there" both during the day and at night. The key is to do "correct" Kegels. Many women think they are tightening the correct pelvic floor muscles during a Kegel, but in fact are squeezing their thighs or buttocks instead.
  
  To learn how to do a correct Kegel, download our ebook, which has step-by-step instructions on how to perform a correct Kegel. The ebook also gives offers two great tests to help you measure the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.
  
  3. Stop Fluid Intake before Bed
  While you definitely need to stay hydrated during the day, since not drinking enough water can worsen symptoms of urinary incontinence, you can decrease night time leakage by stopping your fluid intake 3 hours before bed. Most women report that this 3-hour interval works well to decrease urine leakage at night.
  
  Finally, to prevent messy cleanups or having the change your linens, consider sleeping on a waterproof pad or wearing an adult brief to bed. It can save a lot of hassle during the night so you can rest easy and have sweet dreams!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/neaners/3197733009 /
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/12/womens-urinary-incontinence-and-menopause-dont-always-go-hand-in-hand http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/12/womens-urinary-incontinence-and-menopause-dont-always-go-hand-in-hand Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:46:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/12/womens-urinary-incontinence-and-menopause-dont-always-go-hand-in-hand Really, no kidding.
  
  Women's urinary incontinence can and does regularly occur when mature women reach menopause, but it doesn't have to.
  
  Despite the popular belief that urinary incontinence is "natural" or "normal" when a woman reaches menopause, it simply isn't true for all women ... especially women who have [...]]]> Really, no kidding.
  
  Women's urinary incontinence can and does regularly occur when mature women reach menopause, but it doesn't have to.
  
  Despite the popular belief that urinary incontinence is "natural" or "normal" when a woman reaches menopause, it simply isn't true for all women ... especially women who have been exercising their pelvic floor muscles.
  
  Why Does Urinary Incontinence Occur with Menopause?
  Like almost everything associated with menopause, urinary incontinence occurs because of the hormonal shifts in a woman's body during this phase of life. Primarily, levels of the female hormone estrogen drop significantly during and after the process of menopause.
  
  This is significant because estrogen is important for keeping the bladder and urethra healthy. Also, lower levels of estrogen in the body contribute to thinning of the urethral, vaginal, and bladder lining. With a thinner lining, the pelvic floor muscles responsible for keeping urine from leaking tend to weaken, which can lead to urinary incontinence.
  
  What Kinds of Urinary Incontinence are Common Post-Menopause?
  Women going through menopause or who are post-menopausal most commonly experience either stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or urge urinary incontinence (UUI).
  
  With SUI, urine leaks when you put any pressure on your abdominal cavity, such as when you sneeze, laugh, or step off a curb. This happens because the weakened pelvic floor muscles that are supposed to keep urine in the bladder can't withstand the sudden increase in abdominal pressure, and allow urine to leak.
  
  With UUI, you experience a sudden and urgent need to urinate, often before you have time to reach the bathroom. This occurs because the bladder muscles squeeze at the wrong time. Many women with UUI feel the urge to go when they hear the sound of running water.
  
  What Should Menopausal Women Do?
  If you are experiencing urinary incontinence during or after the process of menopause, seek help from your doctor, whether it be your regular family doctor, your gynecologist, or your urologist.
  
  One of the common conservative medications prescribed for your situation is transvaginal hormones, specifically estrogen. Estrogen, has been shown to increase blood flow, improve nerve function, and rejuvenate the tissues in the urethra and vagina.
  
  Transvaginal hormones have been shown to prevent urinary tract infections in post-menopausal women. These hormones are available in the form of creams, tablets, or a time-release intravaginal ring.
  
  Note that transvaginal hormones are different than oral hormone replacement, which may actually worsen incontinence symptoms for some women.
  
  Ready to Get Help?
  Here are some resources to help you get help you want and need for your urinary incontinence:
  
  How to Find the Right Doctor for You
  Discreet Online Resources
  Learn More about Urge Urinary Incontinence
  Learn More about Stress Urinary Incontinence
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/batega/1865482908/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/07/womens-urinary-incontinence-post-partum-statistics-you-should-know http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/07/womens-urinary-incontinence-post-partum-statistics-you-should-know Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:24:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/04/07/womens-urinary-incontinence-post-partum-statistics-you-should-know
  It's sad, but true. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many physical and hormonal changes. These changes can result in urinary urgency, urge urinary incontinence, and incomplete emptying of the bladder [...]]]>
  It's sad, but true. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many physical and hormonal changes. These changes can result in urinary urgency, urge urinary incontinence, and incomplete emptying of the bladder during pregnancy.
  
  While some women who experience urinary incontinence during pregnancy do not have urine leakage after delivery, many do. The opposite is also true: women who were continent during their pregnancy may discover that they leak urine post-partum.
  
  Some Statistics about Women's Urinary Incontinence Post-Partum
  What's a mom-to-be or a new mom to think? Well, here are some statistics which may offer you some guidance on what to expect (according to Carolyn Sampselle as reported in the American Journal of Nursing):
  
  
  • Vaginal delivery is linked to a high rate of urinary incontinence in the period directly after birth
  • 21% of women experience urinary incontinence after their first vaginal delivery with spontaneous birth
  • 36% of women experience urinary incontinence after their first vaginal delivery with forceps delivery
  
  Now zoom into the future about five years and you get this statistic:
  
  Women who experience urinary incontinence for a period of time post-partum are three times as likely to have urinary incontinence five years later.
  
  In addition, in a study by Brown and Lumley (2000), urinary incontinence was one of the three major health factors associated with poor emotional well-being post-partum. The other two factors were tiredness and a higher than usual number of minor illnesses. Ultimately, if left untreated, these factors can lead to long-term depression.
  
  So What is a Post-Partum Mom to Do?
  If you suffered from urinary incontinence during your pregnancy, or post-partum, then you should take definite and immediate action. Make an appointment and speak honestly with your doctor about your condition. Find out what conservative measures you can take to improve your symptoms.
  
  Then take charge and be your own best health advocate! Browse through the various posts on this blog to learn how to find the best doctor, talk to your doctor, prepare for your appointment, and more. Or, download our free ebook, "What's Up Down There" and do a quick self-assessment of your situation "down there." The ebook also gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do a correct pelvic floor contraction, or Kegel, which helps alleviate many symptoms of urinary incontinence.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us , download our ebook , or follow us on Twitter .
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkmoose/2566700164/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/30/womens-urinary-incontinence-check-out-sitorsquat-com-for-the-nearest-toilet http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/30/womens-urinary-incontinence-check-out-sitorsquat-com-for-the-nearest-toilet Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:19:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/30/womens-urinary-incontinence-check-out-sitorsquat-com-for-the-nearest-toilet
  In your local area, that's probably not an issue since you are familiar with the territory. But what if you have to take a [...]]]>
  In your local area, that's probably not an issue since you are familiar with the territory. But what if you have to take a business trip or are going on a family vacation? Are you then up a creek without a toilet?
  
  Nope. Because technology will come to the rescue!
  
  SitOrSquat.com is Help for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  If you can use a computer, then you've got a lot of resources at hand if you have to travel, and don't know where to find bathrooms. Just visit this website, designed especially for people with incontinence:
  
  http://www.sitorsquat.com
  
  The website has three major features:
  
  • Helps you find a toilet near you (just type in your location)
  • Offers an online support community
  • Provides mobile applications for iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry, Android, or via text messaging
  
  The website is amazingly simple to use. We put in our location (Austin, Texas) and immediately got a map filled with literally dozens and dozens of toilets. It also tells you whether the toilet is open or closed (if possible), and the name of the location where the toilet is located (like Starbuck's).
  
  If you know of a toilet in your area that does not show up on the map, you can also use their "Add a Toilet" function to add it to the map.
  
  Women with urinary incontinence need all the help they can get when traveling ... so if you are planning a trip soon, be sure to check out the website before you leave home. You might also want to check out these additional travel tips to help your trip go more smoothly:
  
  Travel Tips for Women with Urinary Incontinence
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: SitOrSquat.com
  
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/24/womens-urinary-incontinence-better-get-mad-not-sad http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/24/womens-urinary-incontinence-better-get-mad-not-sad Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:29:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/24/womens-urinary-incontinence-better-get-mad-not-sad
  Well guess what? It's better to be mad rather than sad.
  
  Why Being Mad is Better than Being Sad
  When it comes to women's urinary [...]]]>
  Well guess what? It's better to be mad rather than sad.
  
  Why Being Mad is Better than Being Sad
  When it comes to women's urinary incontinence, you are far better to get angry about your situation than to feel sad or depressed.
  
  Why? Because studies show that women who feel sad or depressed about their situation are less likely to see help.
  
  In addition, women who are sad or depressed are more likely to:
  
  • Overeat, which only contribute to urine leakage
  • Abuse alcohol or sedatives, both of which dull the senses and can interfere with the awareness of the need to urinate
  • Lack the incentive to get up and go to the bathroom
  
  While getting angry isn't necessarily the healthiest emotional response, anger is a more active emotional response. The woman who is angry or frustrated enough about her urine leakage is more likely to pick up the phone and make an appointment with her doctor to get help.
  
  The Bottom Line about Urinary Incontinence
  The bottom line, literally, is that when it comes to urine leakage and wet panties, you are far better served if you get mad about your situation than if you just feel sad. Sadness and depression are stagnant emotions, and tend to keep you stuck in the status quo.
  
  If you feel sad or depressed about your urinary incontinence, then stop it. Get mad instead! Think about all the parts of your life that you are missing out on because of your urine leakage problem. Think about all the social situations you no longer attend, all the friends you no longer see, and all the sex you might be missing out on.
  
  Then get mad ... and get help! Here are some tips to help you choose the right doctor, prepare for your visit, and use the right words at your appointment:
  
  Find the Right Doctor
  3 Step to Prepare for Your Doctor's Visit
  Use the Right Words at Your Appointment
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/19/bladder-health-did-you-know-the-bladder-shrinks-with-age http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/19/bladder-health-did-you-know-the-bladder-shrinks-with-age Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:36:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/19/bladder-health-did-you-know-the-bladder-shrinks-with-age Get this:
  
  As you age certain parts of your body get larger (like your nose or ears) while other parts shrink, like your bladder.
  
  Yikes! That's bad news for those with women's urinary incontinence. Leaking urine is bad enough, but the fact that the condition might worsen with aging due to a [...]]]> Get this:
  
  As you age certain parts of your body get larger (like your nose or ears) while other parts shrink, like your bladder.
  
  Yikes! That's bad news for those with women's urinary incontinence. Leaking urine is bad enough, but the fact that the condition might worsen with aging due to a shrinking bladder can be downright depressing.
  
  At age 25, the average person's bladder can hold about two cups of urine before it has to be emptied. By age 65, that amount decreases to just one cup. That means twice as many trips to the bathroom.
  
  Bladder Health: What to Do About the Shrinking Bladder
  So what does a woman do about her incredible shrinking bladder? That's a good question.
  
  The answer is simple: train your bladder.
  
  If you are otherwise fairly healthy, you can train your bladder so that you go when you want to, rather than when your bladder dictates you must. With bladder training, you are taking steps toward restoring bladder health.
  
  Bladder Training and Bladder Health
  The goal of bladder training is to learn to urinate before you have the urgent urge to go, or after you successfully reduce or eliminate the urge. Learning to urinate before the urgent need is upon you helps because running for the bathroom only makes urine leakage worse. Running tends to jiggle the abdominal organs, which increases the pressure on your bladder ... and you end up with urine leakage.
  
  With bladder training you focus on increasing the amount of time between urination. This technique is most effective for women with stress urinary incontinence or urge urinary incontinence (also called overactive bladder).
  
  How to Train Your Bladder
  To train your bladder, start out by urinating every two hours during the day, whether or not you feel you have to go. After you have successfully mastered this schedule, gradually increase the time between urination by half hour increments, until you reach four hours. Four hours is a reasonable period of time between urination, and at this point you won't find the urge to go interfering with your life.
  
  During bladder training, if you feel the urge to go during the two hour window, stop what you are doing and remain still. At the same time, perform a pelvic floor muscle contraction, also called a Kegel. Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles several times quickly, and do not relax fully between squeezes. These are similar to "quick Kegels," and will help suppress the urge to urinate. Also stay calm and take deep breaths. Once the urge has passed, walk slowly to the bathroom while continuing to do some quick Kegels.
  
  Bladder Health Takes Practice
  As with all new exercises, bladder training takes practice. Don't worry if your first attempts at doing this exercise don't succeed. Just stay focused and keep practicing. Eventually your pelvic floor muscles will become much stronger and you will feel the urgent urge to go less frequently. Also consult your physician to see if there are other conservative therapies that will complement bladder training.
  
  Finally, if you are not sure how to do a correct pelvic floor muscle contraction (and about half of all women are not), check out our step-by-step ebook that gives you step by step instructions.
  
  Download the "What's Up Down There" ebook here.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yummiec00kies/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/17/womens-urinary-incontinence-5-requirements-for-bladder-health http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/17/womens-urinary-incontinence-5-requirements-for-bladder-health Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:41:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/17/womens-urinary-incontinence-5-requirements-for-bladder-health
  But hold on ... the human anatomy is a complicated system, and everything has to work just right for you to avoid urinary incontinence.
  
  Did you [...]]]>
  But hold on ... the human anatomy is a complicated system, and everything has to work just right for you to avoid urinary incontinence.
  
  Did you know that your urinary system has to meet 5 requirements for you to urinate properly?
  
  Really.
  
  The 5 Requirements for Bladder Health
  Having a healthy bladder, and resolving your urinary incontinence, means you urinate every three to six hours, which is typical for a healthy person. Unfortunately, if you have women's urinary incontinence, you probably run for the bathroom far more frequently.
  
  Why is that? One or more of these five functions may not be working well in your body, preventing you from going when you want to ... rather than when your body forces you to go.
  
  Requirement #1 for Bladder Health: A Big Enough Bladder
  A healthy bladder can hold up to 2 cups of urine before it needs to be emptied. If, for some reason, the walls of your bladder don't stretch enough to accommodate this amount of urine, you'll either have urine leakage or need to visit the bathroom often.
  
  Requirement #2 for Bladder Health: Feel the Urge
  When your bladder is full, it sends a signal through your nervous system to your brain, which gives you the urge to go. That means that your nervous system has to be functioning properly, and your brain has to interpret the signal correctly. Due to injury, illness, or neurological conditions, some women do not get the sensation of a full bladder and end up instead with wet panties.
  
  Requirement #3 for Bladder Health: Get a Move On
  Once your brain sends you the message that you need to urinate, the next impediment is finding a bathroom quickly enough. Hence the "bathroom radar" many women with urinary incontinence develop. For some seniors, speed of movement is a difficulty. For other women, getting their clothes off quickly enough can be a problem. For this reason, many women end up wearing pants with elastic waistbands or other "easy off" clothing. This can definitely ruin a gal's fashion sense!
  
  Requirement #4 for Bladder Health: Control Those Bladder Muscles
  To control your urination and prevent urine leakage, you need strong pelvic floor muscles, especially the muscle called the bladder sphincter. To improve the tone of your pelvic floor muscles, consider doing Kegels and other toning exercises specifically for your muscles "down there." Many women do Kegels, but incorrectly, so they see very few results. To discover how to do a correct pelvic floor contraction and more, download our free ebook, which gives you step-by-step instructions.
  
  Requirement #5 for Bladder Health: Empty the Bladder Completely
  If you are able to get to a bathroom in time to avoid a leakage accident, but then can't empty your bladder completely, then you'll feel the urge to urinate soon. The inability to empty your bladder completely not only increases the frequency of your urge to urinate, but can also increase your risk of urinary tract infections. If you feel that your bladder is not emptying completely each time you urinate, check with an urologist. A quick test will confirm whether this is one of the causes of your urinary incontinence.
  
  Steps You Can Take for Bladder Health
  Hopefully this snapshot of the different requirements necessary for bladder health gives you an idea of where you body's urinary system may be breaking down. Armed with this knowledge, you can better communicate with your healthcare providers about your situation.
  
  In addition, check out these resources for women's urinary incontinence:
  
  Free Ebook: What's Up Down There?
  Online Resources for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-what-questions-will-your-doctor-ask http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-what-questions-will-your-doctor-ask Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:29:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/15/womens-urinary-incontinence-what-questions-will-your-doctor-ask
  If so, good for you.
  
  To prepare yourself for your appointment, you might like to know what kinds of questions your doctor will ask you. Well, we can give you the list of [...]]]>
  If so, good for you.
  
  To prepare yourself for your appointment, you might like to know what kinds of questions your doctor will ask you. Well, we can give you the list of questions, straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak.
  
  Most physicians in the U.S. will follow the guidelines issued by the Agency for Policy and Research, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  
  According to these guidelines, physicians are encouraged to ask the following questions:
  
  - Can you tell me about the problems you are having with your bladder?
  - Can you tell me about the trouble you are having holding your urine?
  - How often do you lose urine when you don't want to?
  - When do you lose urine when you don't want to?
  - What activities or situations are linked with leakage?
  - Is it associated with laughing, coughing or getting to the bathroom?
  - How often do you wear a pad for protection?
  - Do you use other protective devices to collect your urine?
  - How long have you been having a problem with urine?
  
  There you have it. Now that you know what questions your doctor is likely to ask, you can prepare your answers ahead of time, so you get the most from your appointment. In addition you may want to check out our three suggested steps for preparing for your appointment:
  
  Three Steps to Prepare for Your Doctor's Appointment
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/12/kegels-how-long-should-you-keep-doing-them http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/12/kegels-how-long-should-you-keep-doing-them Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:41:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/12/kegels-how-long-should-you-keep-doing-them
  It's a good question.
  
  Does forever sound too long? It does to a lot of women, especially since many of them can't remember to do them daily. But think about it [...]]]>
  It's a good question.
  
  Does forever sound too long? It does to a lot of women, especially since many of them can't remember to do them daily. But think about it this way: your pelvic floor muscles are like any other muscle in your body … use 'em or lose 'em.
  
  If you currently work out and are in great shape, and then suddenly stop going to the gym, do you think your body is going to stay fit and toned? Probably not.
  
  The same is true of your pelvic floor muscles. If you have been doing Kegels to alleviate your urinary incontinence symptoms, and your symptoms are better, does that mean you should stop doing Kegels?
  
  Nope.
  
  Why not? Because your pelvic floor muscles, like the other more visible muscles in your body, are subject to aging and gravity over time. Unless you exercise your pelvic floor muscles, then they will begin to lose tone and sag over time, and flabby muscles are no good. In fact, saggy pelvic floor muscles may even encourage the return of your urinary incontinence symptoms.
  
  According to Women's Studies expert Susun Weed, "Every part of your body will age more gracefully if you work it out regularly … daily pelvic floor exercises tonify the vaginal tissues." And who doesn't want to age gracefully, inside or out?
  
  Kegels and Women's Urinary Incontinence
  The good news about doing Kegels for the rest of your life is that you can do these exercises while you are doing other things … and who doesn't love to multi-task? Once you have learned to do correct pelvic floor contractions, you can do them while chatting on the phone, gardening, or even sitting at your desk. No one will know and you won't even break a sweat. Plus, there's no need to go to the gym.
  
  Doing Kegels for the rest of your life isn't a big deal. You just have to remember to do them … and do them correctly. If you aren't sure whether you are doing these exercises correctly, check out our free ebook for a quickie guide.
  
  Otherwise, just incorporate Kegels into your daily routine and be done with it. If you stop at your local coffee shop to pick up a latte every day, add a set of Kegels while you wait for your coffee. Do Kegels while you read the morning paper. Or do 'em in the bedroom. Whatever floats your boat!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-how-much-does-it-really-cost http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-how-much-does-it-really-cost Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:18:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-how-much-does-it-really-cost Did you know that less than half of all women who suffer from urinary incontinence seek help?
  
  This is according to Stacey Brewer, director of marketing and education for the National Association for Continence. When surveyed as to why they didn't seek help, many women offered answers along the lines of: "It's not a big [...]]]> Did you know that less than half of all women who suffer from urinary incontinence seek help?
  
  This is according to Stacey Brewer, director of marketing and education for the National Association for Continence. When surveyed as to why they didn't seek help, many women offered answers along the lines of: "It's not a big enough problem. My quality of life isn't that affected."
  
  OK, but how about your checkbook?
  
  It turns out that the cost of dealing with women's urinary incontinence can be wickedly expensive in terms of out-of-pocket costs.
  
  How Much Does it Cost to Deal with Urinary Incontinence?
  Most studies indicate that women who don't seek help for their urinary incontinence symptoms can spend upwards of $1,200 or more per year on adult pads and diapers alone. That expense can add up year after year, not to mention increasing one's carbon butt print by a lot.
  
  It is also silly, when there are less expensive options available ... if you ask.
  
  For instance, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Policy estimates that the average woman with urinary incontinence might spend the following amounts annually for these treatment options:
  
  Doing Kegels: $0
  Pelvic floor rehabilitation using pelvic cones: $100
  Medication prescribed by a physician: $435-$500
  Pelvic floor stimulation: $695
  
  All of these options are easily available for women with urinary incontinence, and they cost less than using pads and diapers. Pads and diapers are like bandaids for women's urinary incontinence; they help cover up the symptoms but they don't solve the underlying health condition.
  
  The above four options not only can help many women with urinary incontinence improve or resolve their urinary leakage, but also cost less in the long run. What's more, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Policy, physicians are most likely to recommend Kegels, the least expensive therapy, as a first-line conservative treatment for women's urinary incontinence.
  
  Kegels Really Do Work
  Add to that the fact that Kegels, done correctly, have been shown to improve women's urinary incontinence symptoms. A review of recent studies on the effects of Kegel exercises indicates that women who did the exercises were anywhere from 2.5 to 17 times more likely to be cured of symptoms. Now you get an equation that now looks better for your checkbook than pads and diapers.
  
  The same is true of pelvic floor stimulation, which is also a less expensive option than diapers and pads. The American Urogynecologic Society stated that in studies, this kind of stimulation cured 22% of women with urinary incontinence, and significantly decreased symptoms for a further 43% of the women.
  
  Is getting help for your urinary incontinence symptoms sounding better than a long dreary future of adult diapers and pads? We hope so! We want all women suffering from urinary incontinence to reach out and get help. Be your own best health advocate. Educate yourself about your condition, and call your doctor to get help. You deserve it ... and so does your checkbook!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-can-you-reduce-your-carbon-butt-print http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-can-you-reduce-your-carbon-butt-print Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/08/womens-urinary-incontinence-can-you-reduce-your-carbon-butt-print
  But if you have women's urinary incontinence and you use adult diapers or pads, you have to worry about more than your carbon foot print. You have to consider your carbon [...]]]>
  But if you have women's urinary incontinence and you use adult diapers or pads, you have to worry about more than your carbon foot print. You have to consider your carbon "butt print."
  
  What is a Carbon Butt Print?
  Your carbon butt print is the amount of waste that you create by using adult diapers. Like many other consumer products that include plastic, diapers take a long, long time to break down in land fills. Hence, every diaper you use and throw away contributes to your carbon butt print.
  
  Consider this:
  - Adult diapers and briefs currently make up 7% of our nation's landfill
  - Baby diapers currently contribute just 2-3% of landfill waste
  - Diapers are the third largest type of landfill waste
  - The average adult diaper or brief will take up to 200 years to decompose (the same amount of time as an aluminum can)
  
  Yowza ... that's a lot of carbon. And the number of adult diapers being thrown into landfills will only increase as baby boomers age.
  
  What You Can Do to Reduce Your Carbon Butt Print
  Naturally, the best thing for both you and the environment is to get out of adult diapers if at all possible. If you haven't actually sought help for your women's urinary incontinence (and about half of all women who have this condition have not), now is the time to do it. Here are some resources to help you get started:
  
  Inspiration for You to Get Help
  Finding the Right Doctor
  Preparing for Your Appointment
  
  Aside from that, you can reduce your carbon butt print by following the guidelines here:
  
  Startling Facts about Adult Diapers and Briefs
  
  Good luck and thanks for considering "going green" when dealing with your urinary incontinence!
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/macsurak/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/05/womens-urinary-incontinence-peeing-by-the-clock-can-help http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/05/womens-urinary-incontinence-peeing-by-the-clock-can-help Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:31:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/05/womens-urinary-incontinence-peeing-by-the-clock-can-help
  Timed Voiding Alleviates Urinary Incontinence Symptoms
  Timed [...]]]>
  Timed Voiding Alleviates Urinary Incontinence Symptoms
  Timed voiding is one of the conservative therapies that doctors often recommend for women suffering from urge and mixed urinary incontinence. Timed voiding is part of the therapy called bladder retraining. There are two ways to practice timed voiding, or peeing by the clock.
  
  Timed Voiding Method #1 for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  The whole point of timed voiding is to retrain your bladder so that you urinate when you choose to, not when your bladder decides to "let go." The first way to practice timed voiding is by delaying urination by 10 minutes when you feel the need to "go."
  
  Although this may be difficult at first, there are two ways to help you create this delay. One way is to focus your attention elsewhere for 10 minutes. Read a book, watch television, or otherwise distract yourself.
  
  The other way is to do some Kegels, if possible, to buy yourself some time. This also strengthens your pelvic floor muscles.
  
  Once you have been able to delay urination for 10 minutes, work on extending the delay to 20 minutes. This may take a while, but keep working at it. This "retrains" your bladder in a mind over matter kind of way.
  
  Timed Voiding Method #2 for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  The second method to "pee by the clock" is to actually set a schedule for your urination. This usually means scheduling bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours. By setting and following this kind of schedule, you are retraining your bladder. Now you are in control of your bladder rather than the other way around.
  
  As with the first method, this will take a little bit of practice. You may have to adjust your fluid intake as well to accommodate your schedule. However, this method does work for many women with urinary incontinence, especially if you are strict about following your set schedule. This method also means that your voiding more closely mimics that of a healthy bladder. Women with healthy bladders urinate six to eight times per day, rather than 10 or more times.
  
  Timed Voiding Takes Practice
  As with all conservative approaches to managing women's urinary incontinence, consistency is the key. Practicing one or both timed voiding approaches above will, over time, change the way your bladder works. When added to other conservative therapies, including medications and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, timed voiding can be especially effective.
  
  Give it a try. This method is discreet and can be practiced in the privacy of your home. What have you got to lose other than your wet panties?
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our free ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/03/ladies-when-are-wet-panties-good-and-when-are-they-bad http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/03/ladies-when-are-wet-panties-good-and-when-are-they-bad Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:23:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/03/ladies-when-are-wet-panties-good-and-when-are-they-bad Wet panties can be good ... under the right circumstances, like when things are about to heat up the bedroom.
  
  Wet panties can also be bad, especially for women who suffer from urinary incontinence.
  
  When we panties are a good thing, women have no worries. It's when wet panties are a bad thing, due to urine [...]]]> Wet panties can be good ... under the right circumstances, like when things are about to heat up the bedroom.
  
  Wet panties can also be bad, especially for women who suffer from urinary incontinence.
  
  When we panties are a good thing, women have no worries. It's when wet panties are a bad thing, due to urine leakage, that the situation starts to go downhill.
  
  Wet Panties and Women's Urinary Incontinence: A Bad Thing
  When women have the "bad" kind of wet panties, they start worrying about things like:
  
  - whether they smell like urine
  - when the next "accident" might happen
  - where the nearest bathrooms are located
  - whether to start buying pads, diapers, or other incontinence products
  - how to keep their urinary incontinence a secret
  
  Wow, that's a lot of stuff to worry about. Luckily, for many women, conservative treatment can transform the "bad" kind of wet panties to the "good" kind.
  
  Kegels: One Way to Go from "Bad" to "Good" Wet Panties
  Did you know that according to the Agency of Healthcare Research and Policy, 8 out of 10 cases of urinary incontinence can be improved? What's more, a review of recent studies on the effects of Kegel exercises indicates that women who did the exercises were anywhere from 2.5 to 17 times more likely to be cured of stress urinary incontinence symptoms.
  
  Toning your pelvic floor muscles with exercises like Kegels (pelvic floor muscle contractions) is a great way to transition from the icky form of wet panties to the sexy kind of wet panties.
  
  Add to that the fact that studies indicate increased pelvic floor strength leads to more satisfying sexual sensation for many women, and you have more reason than ever to do Kegels. To top it off, having a healthy sex life can actually increase the tone of a woman's pelvic floor, which decreases the risk for stress urinary incontinence.
  
  Talk about things getting better and better! You do Kegels, which leads to better sex and decreased symptoms of urinary incontinence. More sex tones your pelvic floor muscles even more, which further decreases risks for stress urinary incontinence.
  
  You can't lose, right?
  
  How to Get Started with Kegels
  Right, except here's the problem: many women do Kegels, but incorrectly. Instead of contracting their pelvic floor muscles, many women tighten their buttocks or other parts of their body. Some women even push down on their bladder while doing what they think are Kegels. None of these approaches will strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
  
  To ensure that you are doing Kegels correctly, and to assess the actual strength of your pelvic floor muscles, download our free ebook. This ebook gives you specific step-by-step instructions for doing a correct pelvic floor contraction, and troubleshoots all the problem areas that most women encounter. Plus, the ebook has two great "quickie" tests to help you assess the strength of your pelvic floor right now. You can get the ebook here:
  
  Download the "What's Up Down There?" ebook here
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/01/female-urinary-incontinence-are-you-afraid-to-sit-on-your-friends-couch http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/01/female-urinary-incontinence-are-you-afraid-to-sit-on-your-friends-couch Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/03/01/female-urinary-incontinence-are-you-afraid-to-sit-on-your-friends-couch
  According to a landmark study conducted by the National Association for Continence (NAFC) the fear of soiling a friend's furniture with urine leakage ranks as one of the top fears for women with urinary incontinence. [...]]]>
  According to a landmark study conducted by the National Association for Continence (NAFC) the fear of soiling a friend's furniture with urine leakage ranks as one of the top fears for women with urinary incontinence.
  
  Here are the top fears of women who have urinary incontinence:
  
  - 78% of women surveyed said that one of their greatest sources of potential embarrassment would be leaking urine on a friend's upholstered furniture
  
  - 78% said they feared that they smelled like urine
  
  - 76% were afraid that other people would know they had urinary incontinence
  
  Is it any wonder that women with urinary incontinence become more and more isolated? Is it any surprise that these women cut off social contact and refuse to venture out?
  
  More importantly, do these fears resonate with you?
  
  What to Do If You are Afraid to Sit on a Friend's Couch
  If you are one of the women who share the fears listed above, here are some tips to help you feel safer about sitting on your friend's couch. If you haven't already, you need to seek help from a qualified health professional to get a correct diagnosis and explore your treatment options. In addition, here are some conservative steps you can take on your own to prevent urine leakage while sitting on your friend's couch.
  
  1. Avoid Bladder Irritant Food and Drinks
  Although your friend is likely to offer you everything from coffee to wine during a social visit, both of these are bladder irritants, and are likely to increase your chances of a urine leakage accident. Stay away from acidic food and drinks, as well as caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Ask for plain water or herbal tea instead. Learn more about the food and drink to avoid here.
  
  2. Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Muscles
  Doing exercises like Kegels, which are pelvic floor muscle contractions, can strengthen your pelvic floor and prevent leakage accidents. If you are not sure how to do a Kegel (or are not sure you are doing Kegels correctly), download our ebook for some quick instructions.
  
  Start by doing Kegels at home. Once you are proficient at doing them, take then on the road with you. Practice Kegels while waiting in line at a fast food joint or while idling in your car at a stoplight. More importantly, if you feel a urine leakage accident about to happen, do a couple of quick Kegels. This often buys you some time so you can make it to the bathroom before the accident.
  
  3. Limit Fluid Intake and Practice Bladder Training
  If you know you are going to visiting with friends, limit your fluid intake before you leave your house. You might need to experiment with this to find out how long before you leave the house you need to decrease fluid intake. Don't stop drinking fluids altogether, as this can actual worsen urinary incontinence symptoms, but do learn your body's reaction to fluids so you can time your fluid intake correctly.
  
  Also, you can practice bladder training, starting at home. When you feel the urge to urinate, hold off visiting the bathroom for a few minutes. Work you way up to a 10 minute delay. This bladder delay technique will serve you well if you are visiting friends and feel the sudden urge to urinate.
  
  Stay Social to Avoid Isolation and Depression
  The whole point here is that you shouldn't be afraid to sit on your friend's couch, even if you do suffer from symptoms of urinary incontinence. With a little planning and some practice at home, you should be able visit all of your friends. In fact, it is important to stay socially connected with your friends and family.
  
  Women with urinary incontinence typically decrease their social connections over time, and begin isolating themselves. This can often lead to depression, weight gain, and worsening urine leakage ... it's a vicious cycle. Staying socially and physically active are major factors in helping you keep your urinary incontinence symptoms at bay.
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/28/travel-tips-for-women-with-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/28/travel-tips-for-women-with-urinary-incontinence Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:59:57 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/28/travel-tips-for-women-with-urinary-incontinence Ladies ... just because you have urinary incontinence doesn't mean you have to be home-bound. In fact, with a little careful planning, traveling can be a pleasure rather than a chore. Here are some travel tips to help you get from home to your destination, all while staying high and try.
  
  Travel Tip#1: Scope Out [...]]]> Ladies ... just because you have urinary incontinence doesn't mean you have to be home-bound. In fact, with a little careful planning, traveling can be a pleasure rather than a chore. Here are some travel tips to help you get from home to your destination, all while staying high and try.
  
  Travel Tip#1: Scope Out Bathrooms and Carry Spare Change
  If you have urinary incontinence, chances are that you are accustomed to noting the location of restrooms. When you're traveling, just be sure to carry some spare change with you because some establishments only allow paying customers to use their restrooms. Being able to buy a pack of gum can often mean the difference between quick access to a restroom and having to wait until the next rest stop.
  
  Travel Tip #2: Opt for Easy Access
  If you are traveling by plane, train, or bus, choose an aisle seat close to the bathroom. This way, you avoid having to climb over and around your traveling companions every time you need to use the restroom. Also, wear clothes that are easy to get on and off ... that will save you time in case you need to go in a hurry.
  
  Travel Tip #3: Be Aware of What You Eat and Drink
  You know best the triggers for your urinary incontinence, including what foods and drinks can cause urine leakage. While traveling, completely avoid all food and drink that you know irritate your bladder. Limit your fluid intake before getting on a plane, bus, or train. If you experience dry mouth, suck on mints or hard candy.
  
  Travel Tip #4: Pack Backup Supplies
  To avoid an accident while on the road, pack plenty of absorbent pads and liners in your carry-on. Also pack an extra change of clothes that are easy slip into in close quarters. Airplane bathrooms are notoriously small. Finally, depending on your mode of travel, you may want to bring a scented plastic bag for wet clothing or pads.
  
  Travel Tip #5: Don't Think About Your Urinary Incontinence
  Pack plenty of books and magazines to keep your mind off your bladder. While you want to be prepared to handle any symptoms of urinary incontinence, you don't want to dwell on your condition. If you feel a sudden urge to go, try to relax and do a Kegel or two. This sometimes helps to delay the urge.
  
  Women with urinary incontinence shouldn't have to stay home just because they are afraid of having an accident while traveling. With a little planning and some careful packing, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to travel anywhere you want, despite your symptoms. You might also consider speaking with your doctor before you travel to see if she has any additional suggestions or options to ease your travels.
  
  Happy trails!
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/22/womens-urinary-incontinence-the-many-faces http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/22/womens-urinary-incontinence-the-many-faces Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:35:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/22/womens-urinary-incontinence-the-many-faces If you think that the face of women's urinary incontinence is an aging baby boomer headed for assisted living, then think again.
  
  Contrary to popular opinion, urinary incontinence affects women of all ages, from the teenager who suffers from "giggle incontinence" to the young woman athlete who strains something "down [...]]]> If you think that the face of women's urinary incontinence is an aging baby boomer headed for assisted living, then think again.
  
  Contrary to popular opinion, urinary incontinence affects women of all ages, from the teenager who suffers from "giggle incontinence" to the young woman athlete who strains something "down there."
  
  And then there's the 30-something mother who suddenly finds herself in wet panties post-partum, and the 45-year-old career woman who suddenly can't work out because she leaks urine every time she gets on the treadmill.
  
  Still think you recognize all the faces of women's urinary incontinence?
  
  Women's Urinary Incontinence by Age Group
  Urinary incontinence isn't normal at any age, and yet it can happen to females at any age. We're all familiar with the poor bladder control in toddlers, but few women expect to deal with the problem again until much later in life. Unfortunately, it happens, though for different reasons at different points in our lives.
  
  Giggle Incontinence in Youngsters
  As the name suggests, giggle incontinence happens to young adults in their pre-teen and teenage years, usually when they giggle or otherwise put pressure on their bladders. This condition affects about 7% of young women in the U.S., and most children and young adults who suffer from this condition don't have any physical abnormalities. Research indicates that this condition may be genetically-linked and can be passed down from parents to children.
  
  The good news is that giggle incontinence can be treated with conservative measures and behavior modification. Read more about resolving giggle incontinence here.
  
  Young Women
  Women in their 20s and 30s often develop symptoms of urinary incontinence for a variety of reasons. Avid athletes who participate in high-impact sports can develop weakened pelvic floor muscles or suffer injuries in their pelvic region, resulting in urine leakage. Some young women have naturally weak pelvic floor muscles, which can also cause urinary incontinence. For these women, conservative measures, such as doing correct Kegels, can strengthen their pelvic floor muscles and often resolve urine leakage issues.
  
  Post-Partum Women
  Many a post-partum woman has returned to her normal exercise routine only to discover that she now leaks urine. The effects of pregnancy and vaginal deliveries can weaken a woman's pelvic floor muscles, causing urinary incontinence. Although many women do Kegels during pregnancy and post-partum, a large number of them do this pelvic floor contraction incorrectly, which does little to alleviate their urine leakage. Luckily, learning to do correct Kegels and using other conservative measures, such as medication and behavior modification, can often help these women resolve their symptoms.
  
  Baby Boomers
  While this is the most recognized face of women's urinary incontinence, the baby boomer woman who has urinary incontinence may also be the one least likely to seek help. Many older women assume that urine leakage is just a normal sign of aging, so don't ask their doctors for help. If you are a baby boomer with urinary incontinence, don't let your age stop you from getting the help you need. There are many options available to women at any age for dealing with urinary incontinence, so be sure to explore all of your options!
  
  Explore the Many Faces of Women's Urinary Incontinence
  In this blog post we cover the faces of women's urinary incontinence by age group, but there are also different faces associated with the three kinds of urinary incontinence, which are stress, urge, and mixed. Women with weak pelvic floor muscles can also experience pelvic organ prolapse and decreased sexual sensation. Learn all the different faces of urinary incontinence, decide if one of them belongs to you, and get on the road to recovery by starting with these links:
  
  Is This You?
  What's Up Down There? A Free Ebook on Women's Pelvic Floor Health
  
  If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/19/womens-urinary-incontinence-discreet-online-resources http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/19/womens-urinary-incontinence-discreet-online-resources Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:22:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/19/womens-urinary-incontinence-discreet-online-resources
  Either [...]]]>
  Either because it's too embarrassing or because women just think urinary incontinence is a normal part of aging.
  
  Knowledge is Power: Learn about Urinary Incontinence Discreetly
  If either embarrassment or lack of knowledge is preventing you from seeking help for your urinary incontinence, then we've got news for you!
  
  First of all, urinary incontinence is not normal at any age, so don't accept it as simply a normal sign of aging. Instead, learn more about women's urinary incontinence so you can get the help you need, rather than just coping with your symptoms.
  
  Second, if you do feel too embarrassed to ask your doctor for help at this point, it doesn't mean you can't help yourself. You can help yourself by learning about urinary incontinence. Knowledge is power! Today there are thousands of resources online where you can learn about the symptoms of, treatments for, and options available for women's urinary incontinence.
  
  And you can learn all of this without leaving your home. Just turn on your computer and start clicking the links below. There is a wealth of knowledge just waiting to be uncovered and discovered ... all without embarrassment.
  
  Ready? Then dive in!
  
  Online Resources for Women's Urinary Incontinence
  
  Free Ebook: "What's Up Down There? A Quickie Guide for Evaluating and Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor Muscles"
  
  American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  
  American Urologic Association Foundation
  
  Gilbert Guide: Adult Incontinence
  
  Medline Plus: National Library of Medicine
  
  National Association for Continence
  
  If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, contact us, download our ebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/16/whats-up-down-there-ebook-tells-if-you-are-loose-as-a-goose-or http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/16/whats-up-down-there-ebook-tells-if-you-are-loose-as-a-goose-or Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:22:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/16/whats-up-down-there-ebook-tells-if-you-are-loose-as-a-goose-or Kegels. Most women have heard of them. Some women do them. Very few women actually do them correctly!
  
  Yet, doing correct Kegels on a regular basis can have a huge positive impact on a woman's pelvic floor health, sex life, and even self confidence.
  
  Correct pelvic floor exercises are especially important for women [...]]]> Kegels. Most women have heard of them. Some women do them. Very few women actually do them correctly!
  
  Yet, doing correct Kegels on a regular basis can have a huge positive impact on a woman's pelvic floor health, sex life, and even self confidence.
  
  Correct pelvic floor exercises are especially important for women suffering from urinary incontinence, since toning the pelvic floor muscles can often improve or even cure symptoms.
  
  But Kegels and other pelvic floor exercises only help if you do them correctly, and to help more women do better Kegels, we've developed an educational and fun quick guide for women who want to know:
  
  "What's up down there?"
  
  Are You as Loose as a Goose or a Pelvic Floor Goddess
  Believe it or not, quite a few women are "as loose as a goose" down there and don't even know it. Some women are simply born with less-than-toned pelvic floor muscles while other women lose tone down there as a result of giving birth or aging.
  
  Our short no-cost ebook guide gives you two self-tests you can perform to determine your pelvic floor status: loose as a goose, pelvic floor goddess, or somewhere in between.
  
  In addition, we offer detailed step-by-step instructions on how to do a correct pelvic floor contraction, or Kegel. We also "troubleshoot" the problem areas most women have while doing Kegels, ensuring that you are engaging the right pelvic muscles during a Kegel.
  
  Easy as pie ... To download this free ebook written especially for women's pelvic floor health, just visit our download page:
  
  Download the Ebook Here
  
  By downloading the ebook you are taking the first step to becoming a pelvic floor goddess! Plus, we'll keep you informed of any new women's health and pelvic floor resources we develop just for you.
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/11/can-having-too-much-sex-cause-stress-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/11/can-having-too-much-sex-cause-stress-urinary-incontinence Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:47:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/11/can-having-too-much-sex-cause-stress-urinary-incontinence Nope ... but 29% of women between the ages of 25 and 34 think that it can.
  
  This is according to a survey conducted by the National Association for Continence.
  
  In fact, the very reverse is true. Having a healthy sex life can actually increase the tone of a [...]]]> Nope ... but 29% of women between the ages of 25 and 34 think that it can.
  
  This is according to a survey conducted by the National Association for Continence.
  
  In fact, the very reverse is true. Having a healthy sex life can actually increase the tone of a woman's pelvic floor, which decreases the risk for stress urinary incontinence. So don't let this myth hold you back in the bedroom!
  
  Want to debunk more myths about stress urinary incontinence and women's urinary incontinence in general?
  
  Dig into these two helpful articles:
  
  Debunking Myths about Stress Urinary Incontinence
  More Myths about Female Urinary Incontinence
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/09/solving-urinary-incontinence-avoid-doorknob-conversations-with-your-doctor http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/09/solving-urinary-incontinence-avoid-doorknob-conversations-with-your-doctor Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:46:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/09/solving-urinary-incontinence-avoid-doorknob-conversations-with-your-doctor
  What's a "doorknob conversation"?
  
  It's where you avoid talking about urinary incontinence during the entire doctor's appointment because you are too embarrassed to bring it up. Then, at the last moment, literally when [...]]]>
  What's a "doorknob conversation"?
  
  It's where you avoid talking about urinary incontinence during the entire doctor's appointment because you are too embarrassed to bring it up. Then, at the last moment, literally when your hand is on the doorknob and you are walking out the door, you raise the issue.
  
  Those conversations usually start with, "By the way ..." or "I forgot the mention this, but ..."
  
  You know what we're talking about, right? We've all done it, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
  
  Unfortunately, these kinds of conversations prevent you from getting the help you need. Your doctor isn't likely to have time at the end of your appointment to fully discuss your urinary incontinence issues, so you'll end up having to come back for another appointment.
  
  Three Steps to Avoiding Doorknob Conversations
  Instead of waiting until you are walking out the door to ask your doc for help, get right to the heart of the issue at the beginning of the appointment. Here are three tips to help you avoid doorknob conversations.
  
  1. Be Clear About the Purpose of Your Appointment
  When you call to schedule your appointment, be sure to tell the staff at your doctor's office that the purpose of your appointment is to discuss urinary incontinence. Be sure to use the words "urinary incontinence" so that your meaning isn't lost in translation. Be firm with yourself about this!
  
  2. Jot Down Your Symptoms and Questions
  To be sure you get exactly the help you need, make a list of all of your symptoms. Include items like when you leak urine, how much urine you leak, triggers for urine leakage, and any other related symptoms. Make a list of all the medications you currently take, as some of these could be related to your symptoms. Finally, jot down any questions you want your doctor to answer.
  
  3. Grab a Buddy
  If you are afraid that you will chicken out at the last moment, either by skipping your appointment or failing to actually discuss your symptoms, take a buddy with you to your appointment. Ask your buddy to remind you of the purpose of your appointment, and ensure that you cover every item on your list during your appointment. A trusted friend can offer a lot of moral support and courage.
  
  Need more tips? Check out these resources:
  
  Using the Right Words - Don't Let Your Symptoms Get Lost in Translation
  Learn About the Different Types of Urinary Incontinence
  How to Keep a Voiding Diary
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/04/urinary-incontinence-does-the-sound-of-water-make-you-go http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/04/urinary-incontinence-does-the-sound-of-water-make-you-go Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:04:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/04/urinary-incontinence-does-the-sound-of-water-make-you-go
  - Stress Urinary Incontinence
  - Urge Urinary Incontinence
  - Mixed Urinary [...]]]>
  - Stress Urinary Incontinence
  - Urge Urinary Incontinence
  - Mixed Urinary Incontinence
  
  If the sound of water makes you leak urine, then you most likely have urge urinary incontinence, which is also called overactive bladder. If you also leak urine when you cough or sneeze, then you have mixed urinary incontinence, which is a combination of stress and urge urinary incontinence. Finally, if you only have urine leakage when you put pressure on your abdominal cavity, like when you step off a curb or jump around, then you have stress urinary incontinence.
  
  It's important to know what kind of urinary incontinence you have so you can get the right treatment. Each kind of urinary incontinence is treated differently.
  
  To learn more about each of the different kinds of women's urinary incontinence, check out the links below. Knowledge is power. If you are tired of dealing with wet panties and adult diapers, the first step in changing your life is to learn more. Start learning here:
  
  Stress Urinary Incontinence
  Urge Urinary Incontinence
  Mixed Urinary Incontinence
  
  And then, visit a doctor to get a true diagnosis of your condition. Need help finding a doctor? Here are some tips to get you started:
  
  Find the Right Doctor
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/03/american-women-shy-when-discussing-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/03/american-women-shy-when-discussing-urinary-incontinence Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:25:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/03/american-women-shy-when-discussing-urinary-incontinence American women are usually known for their directness, forthrightness, and brashness.
  
  We live in a society where sex sells everything from cars to television shows. We climb corporate ladders with ease and are not afraid to challenge corporate glass ceilings.
  
  But we American women have one area where we are [...]]]> American women are usually known for their directness, forthrightness, and brashness.
  
  We live in a society where sex sells everything from cars to television shows. We climb corporate ladders with ease and are not afraid to challenge corporate glass ceilings.
  
  But we American women have one area where we are very shy. According to women's health experts, American women are very hesitant to discuss urinary incontinence.
  
  Why Urinary Incontinence is Taboo for American Women
  According to Caryn Antos of the National Association for Continence (NAFC), our culture is partially responsible for women's reluctance to discuss urinary incontinence. She says, "The United States is one of the more reserved countries when it comes to this topic. In Europe, tons of organizations band together for educational purposes--and there's no privacy barrier to break through." She adds that at trade shows and other educational events, most women are afraid to approach the NAFC booth to pick up brochures, concerned that they'll be pinned with a "scarlet letter."
  
  Missy Lavender, executive director of the Women's Health Foundation, experienced a similar sense of cultural reserve. Having published educational material about women's urinary incontinence, Missy was asked by the editor of a local women's magazine: "Why is a nice girl like you talking about things like this?"
  
  If this is the kind of reception being given to advocates of education about women's urinary incontinence, is it any wonder that the average woman feels shy about asking for help with her bladder control issues?
  
  Additional Reasons Women Don't Ask for Help
  In addition to the general reserve in this country surrounding women's urinary incontinence, experts point out numerous other reasons that women are hesitant to seek help. Two of the most prominent are age and lack of information.
  
  Age
  A large percentage of older women suffer from urinary incontinence, and women in this population are less comfortable than younger women discussing this area of their anatomy. They may also be unaware of the progress that has been in made in the last 30 years in treating urinary incontinence. Finally, they may simply feel that urine leakage is a normal part of aging.
  
  Lack of Information
  Some women know that "something is wrong," but lack knowledge about their own anatomy and feel uncomfortable discussing their problem with a male doctor. This is where seeking help from a female urologist, gynecologist, or physical therapist can help.
  
  Don't Be Shy - Get Help for Your Urinary Incontinence
  Urinary incontinence, while not life-threatening, can definitely affect the quality of your life. It can also be a symptom of other health conditions, so it's important to raise the issue with your healthcare provider. Here are some resources to help you get started on the road to recovery ... and drier panties:
  
  Lost in Translation? Getting Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
  
  Dealing with Urinary Incontinence? Be Your Own Healthcare Advocate
  
  How to Find the Right Doctor to Treat Your Urinary Incontinence
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/01/female-urinary-incontinence-is-it-a-good-girl-bad-girl-problem http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/01/female-urinary-incontinence-is-it-a-good-girl-bad-girl-problem Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:02:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/02/01/female-urinary-incontinence-is-it-a-good-girl-bad-girl-problem Get this: urinary incontinence affects more people than diabetes or Alzheimer's, yet 50% of women who have urinary incontinence never seek help.
  
  Now get this: The Agency of Healthcare Research and Policy reports that 8 out of 10 cases of urinary incontinence can be improved.
  
  So why don't more women get [...]]]> Get this: urinary incontinence affects more people than diabetes or Alzheimer's, yet 50% of women who have urinary incontinence never seek help.
  
  Now get this: The Agency of Healthcare Research and Policy reports that 8 out of 10 cases of urinary incontinence can be improved.
  
  So why don't more women get help?
  
  Female Urinary Incontinence and the "Good Girl-Bad Girl" Problem
  For many women, the simple answer is, "embarrassment," which is understandable. However, it turns out that there is often a deeper issue involved. Some call it the "Good Girl-Bad Girl" syndrome. This syndrome is basically associated with the cultural taboos we pick up early in life, usually during potty training.
  
  In a recent seminar co-sponsored by the National Association for Continence, experts explained how shame is associated with bathroom issues from an early age, during the potty-training stage. Young children are taught that they are either "good girls" or "bad girls," depending on whether they "performed" well in potty training.
  
  Later in life, these subliminal messages of "good girl" or "bad girl" still haunt many women, even if they are not conscious of these thoughts. As a result, these women feel embarrassed to discuss bathroom-related issues, so don't seek the help they need for their urinary incontinence symptoms.
  
  The Good News About Female Urinary Incontinence
  Luckily, once you become aware of these subliminal messages or your embarrassment about discussing urinary incontinence, you can start to overcome those feelings. For more on how to overcome embarrassment, or to find out more about female urinary incontinence, click the links below.
  
  Women's Urinary Incontinence: Overcoming Embarrassment
  Is This You? The Different Kinds of Urinary Incontinence
  How the Story Ends - Solutions for Urinary Incontinence
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbybatchelder/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/28/is-urinary-incontinence-ruining-your-fashion-sense http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/28/is-urinary-incontinence-ruining-your-fashion-sense Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:48:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/28/is-urinary-incontinence-ruining-your-fashion-sense We all like to look our best. Nothing makes us feel prettier than a sexy dress, a slimming pair of designer jeans, or just a good-looking outfit.
  
  But if you suffer from urinary incontinence, then you know how it can really interfere with your fashion sense!
  
  If you have urinary incontinence, then fashion may [...]]]> We all like to look our best. Nothing makes us feel prettier than a sexy dress, a slimming pair of designer jeans, or just a good-looking outfit.
  
  But if you suffer from urinary incontinence, then you know how it can really interfere with your fashion sense!
  
  If you have urinary incontinence, then fashion may have less to do with the way you dress than it used to. Instead, you choose clothes based on other factors.
  
  Here are some examples:
  
  - Pants that are easy to get on and off for those times when you just "have to go." Forget fancy button-down jeans ... think elastic waistbands!
  
  - Tights instead of pantyhose. Pantyhose rip way too easily when you've got to go, whereas tights are much more resilient
  
  - Clothes that don't wrinkle. When you have to pack a change of clothes everywhere you go, you need clothes that can be stuffed into a shoulder bag, not clothes that have to be hung on hangers
  .
  - Baggy pants that accommodate pads and diapers. Forget those slimming tight jeans!
  
  Yuck!
  
  Want to Retrieve Your Fashion Sense?
  If baggy pants, wrinkle-free clothes, and pants with elastic waistbands really offend your sense of fashion, then maybe it's time to stop dressing down to accommodate your urinary incontinence symptoms. Maybe it's time to address your urinary incontinence.
  
  Here's a question for you:
  
  Would you rather go around embarrassed for the rest of your life because you have to wear clothes you hate, or would you rather be embarrassed for 30 minutes ... the time it takes to tell your doctor about your urinary incontinence and get help?
  
  Amazingly enough, 50% of women suffering urinary incontinence choose the first option. They never seek help, and choose to simply "cope" with their urine leakage rather than getting help from a healthcare provider.
  
  But that doesn't have to be you. According to the Agency of Healthcare Research and Policy, urinary incontinence can be improved in 8 out of 10 cases, many times with conservative therapy.
  Isn't it time to stop committing fashion suicide? Get help now. Here are some resources to get you started:
  
  Women's Urinary Incontinence: Overcoming Embarrassment
  How to Find the Right Doctor to Treat Your Urinary Incontinence
  3 Steps to Prepare for Your Doctor's Appointment
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lululemonathletica/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/26/urinary-incontinence-not-how-much-but-what-you-drink-that-matters http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/26/urinary-incontinence-not-how-much-but-what-you-drink-that-matters Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:13:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/26/urinary-incontinence-not-how-much-but-what-you-drink-that-matters
  Not necessarily.
  
  Actually, decreasing your [...]]]>
  Not necessarily.
  
  Actually, decreasing your fluid intake too much may actually irritate your bladder, which can cause more urine leakage, not less. To avoid this you need to drink enough fluid to stay hydrated, usually between four and nine cups of water per day. To improve symptoms of urinary incontinence, focus on what and when you drink. This applies to stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence.
  
  What Should You Drink to Avoid Urine Leakage?
  It turns out that what you drink, along with when you drink, has more effect on symptoms of urinary incontinence than how much you drink. Any fluids that irritate your bladder should be avoided, while water is always a good choice.
  
  It may surprise you how often you drink fluids that may irritate your bladder. For instance, do you chug a couple cups of coffee or tea to wake yourself up in the morning? Or maybe you slurp down a soda with lunch, and drink another in the late afternoon to help yourself stay awake. Finally, you drink a glass of wine with dinner to relax at the end of a long day.
  
  Unfortunately, all of these are on the "do not drink" list for women with urinary incontinence. Coffee, tea, and most sodas have caffeine, which irritate the bladder. Ditto for the carbonation in the soda and the arylalkylamines in the wine. You might be surprised at how much your urinary incontinence symptoms will improve just by cutting these drinks from your daily menu. Choose water or decaffeinated teas instead.
  
  When Should Your Drink Fluids to Avoid Urine Leakage?
  When you drink fluids can also significantly impact urinary incontinence symptoms. To reduce urine leakage, drink the majority of your water in the morning. Reduce fluid intake after 6 p.m. (or two to three hours before bedtime) to decrease nighttime voiding and incontinence.
  
  Making just a few simple changes in what and when you drink fluids can significantly improve your symptoms of urinary incontinence. If you don't believe it, keep track of your leakage accidents for a week before making any changes. Then, change your fluid intake habits and track your results. You will surprise yourself!
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/25/what-moms-dont-know-about-kegels-myths-and-facts http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/25/what-moms-dont-know-about-kegels-myths-and-facts Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:43:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/25/what-moms-dont-know-about-kegels-myths-and-facts
  Either way, there is a good chance that your doctor may not have fully informed you about Kegels, or even mentioned them. That's a shame, and can lead to some real health issues.
  
  Moms really need to know about Kegels, and how to do them correctly, [...]]]>
  Either way, there is a good chance that your doctor may not have fully informed you about Kegels, or even mentioned them. That's a shame, and can lead to some real health issues.
  
  Moms really need to know about Kegels, and how to do them correctly, if they want to prevent post-partum issue like urinary incontinence and decreased sexual sensation.
  
  Unfortunately, in a study from the International Urogynecology Journal, 46% of pregnant women reported receiving no information about Kegels. Moms who do learn about Kegels from their doctors, usually through a handout or pamphlet, often do these exercises incorrectly.
  
  Did You Know ...?
  A reported 50% of women cannot locate and engage the correct pelvic floor muscles to do a Kegel just by reading written instructions. So these women try do Kegels, but incorrectly, and the results are less than satisfactory. Then they think Kegels don't work!
  
  Kegels do work ... if you work the right pelvic floor muscles. Since 30% of post-partum women have urinary incontinence, and Kegels are effective in relieving symptoms in 80% of urinary incontinence cases, this stuff is important! If you are a mom or a mother-to-be, then you need to know about Kegels.
  
  Get the full scoop on moms and Kegels by clicking the link below.
  New Moms and Kegels: Myths and Facts
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaaronfarr/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/22/can-stress-at-the-office-be-causing-your-stress-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/22/can-stress-at-the-office-be-causing-your-stress-urinary-incontinence Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:10:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/22/can-stress-at-the-office-be-causing-your-stress-urinary-incontinence Nope. Not really.
  
  As logical as it might seem that stress at work could lead to stress urinary incontinence, that's not how it really works. Even so, one-fourth of women surveyed believed this myth to be true.
  
  Stress at work is one thing. With [...]]]> Nope. Not really.
  
  As logical as it might seem that stress at work could lead to stress urinary incontinence, that's not how it really works. Even so, one-fourth of women surveyed believed this myth to be true.
  
  Stress at work is one thing. With urinary incontinence, the word "stress" refers to a different kind of stress - basically any stress on the abdominal cavity.
  
  For instance, you place stress on your abdominal area when you cough, sneeze, or lean down to pick up your toddler. In short, any increase in abdominal pressure equals stress, which causes you to leak urine.
  
  What does all of this mean to you if you have stress urinary incontinence? It means that a bad day at the office won't cause your symptoms to get worse. That's pretty reassuring, since most of us are under a lot of stress these days!
  
  Want to know more? Separate the facts from the myths about female urinary incontinence by clicking the links below. In these articles, we tell you what is factual and what is merely an "old wives tale." You might be surprised by what you read!
  
  Debunking Myths About Stress Urinary Incontinence
  Debunking Yet More Funky Myths About Urinary Incontinence
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/starsalive/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/20/urinary-incontinence-stopping-the-runaway-weight-train http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/20/urinary-incontinence-stopping-the-runaway-weight-train Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:57:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/20/urinary-incontinence-stopping-the-runaway-weight-train
  She starts to feel bad about herself so she reaches for the tub of ice [...]]]>
  She starts to feel bad about herself so she reaches for the tub of ice cream in the freezer to calm her nerves, which makes her gain weight. Now her urinary incontinence symptoms are worse than ever, especially if she tries to exercise ... and the runaway weight train has just left the station.
  
  Does this sound familiar?
  
  What You Should Do if You Are Riding the Runaway Weight Train
  As a passenger on the runaway train, your first step is to put the ice cream (or chips or whatever) down. Just step away.
  
  Next, go back to exercising. Exercise is so important because losing even just a few pounds can significantly ease urinary incontinence symptoms. In one study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, women who lost 8 percent of their body weight, or about 17 pounds, reduced their leakage incidences by almost half. That's a lot!
  
  If you are concerned about leaking while you exercise, it's time to consult a healthcare professional and research your options. There are many conservative therapies that can help you reduce or eliminate urinary incontinence symptoms. Even if you have sought help before to no avail, keep looking. Healthcare has come a long way in recent years when it comes to ways to ease urinary incontinence symptoms.
  
  Finally, read up on urinary incontinence. Knowledge is power, and the more you know about urinary incontinence, the easier it will be for you to get the kind of help you want and need.
  
  Here are some excellent resources from national institutions dedicated to solving the problem of incontinence.
  
  Medline Plus on Urinary Incontinence
  
  National Association for Continence
  
  National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse
  
  Simon Foundation for Continence
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brizo_the_scot/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/19/triggers-for-womens-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/19/triggers-for-womens-urinary-incontinence Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:48:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/19/triggers-for-womens-urinary-incontinence
  There are many ways to treat the various types of urinary incontinence--stress,
  There are many ways to treat the various types of urinary incontinence--stress, urge, and mixed--and sometimes knowing what triggers your incontinence symptoms can help you prevent accidents.
  
  Triggers for Urinary Incontinence
  Depending on what form of urinary incontinence you have, the events that trigger urine leakage will vary. With stress urinary incontinence, triggers include anything that increases pressure on or inside your abdomen, usually some form of physical activity or exercise. For some women the trigger can be as slight as stepping off a curb or walking vigorously. For others, the trigger may be more extreme, such as sneezing, picking up a heavy object, or doing aerobic exercise.
  
  If you have urge urinary incontinence, your triggers are different. For most women, hearing the sound of running water or feeling the sensation of water on their hand can trigger the uncontrollable urge to urinate. Spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, and other foods and drinks that irritate the bladder can also trigger urge urinary incontinence.
  
  For women with mixed urinary incontinence, any of the above triggers may bring on a leakage accident.
  
  Finding Your Triggers for Urinary Incontinence
  If you are not sure what triggers your urinary incontinence, keep a journal for a week or so. Track your food and water intake, as well as any events that seem to trigger urine leakage. You can also experiment with some lifestyle habits to see whether they improve or worsen your symptoms. Some good places to start experimenting include:
  
  - decreasing your intake of caffeinated, alcoholic, and carbonated beverages
  - stopping or decreasing smoking
  - increasing your fiber intake to reduce constipation
  
  You will also want to record the times and amounts of urine leakage, as well as how often you make it to the bathroom to urinate. All of this information will help your doctor determine your type of urinary incontinence and the best ways to treat it.
  
  The more you know about your urinary incontinence, the more empowered you will be as an advocate for your own health and well-being. No matter how long you have dealt with urinary incontinence, it's never too late to start improving your situation. So get some pen and paper, and start tracking your triggers!
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/01-17-05_t-m-b/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/18/how-a-womans-urinary-incontinence-can-affect-her-man http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/18/how-a-womans-urinary-incontinence-can-affect-her-man Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:31:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/18/how-a-womans-urinary-incontinence-can-affect-her-man
  In short, many women with urinary [...]]]>
  In short, many women with urinary incontinence are deeply affected by their condition. Unfortunately, so are the men in their lives. Together, the dynamic between how women deal with their condition and how their men handle the situation create a vicious cycle that can cause even the most stable relationships to deteriorate.
  
  It's all about sex.
  
  Urinary Incontinence: The Woman's Story
  Urinary incontinence and sex often don't mix, since many women are afraid that their spouses or lovers will be "turned off" by urinary leakage during sex. The woman is too embarrassed to discuss it with her spouse, so she avoids sex. Her spouse, unaware of the situation, feels hurt and rejected.
  
  Says one woman, Riesa Gusewelle, suffering from urinary incontinence:
  
  "I felt unattractive and unappealing. It stressed my sexual relationship with my husband, even though he reassured me that everything was fine. I was depressed and always felt that I could smell urine."
  
  That's the woman's story ... now let's take a look at the man's side of the story.
  
  Urinary Incontinence: The Man's Side of the Story
  The spouse or significant other of a woman with urinary incontinence can consider himself lucky if he even knows about her condition, since almost half of all women with this condition don't discuss their situation with anyone.
  
  But knowing about the situation doesn't always help. Even if a man repeatedly assures his wife that her urinary incontinence does not "turn him off," his wife may not be able to hear him. One man described the situation this way:
  
  "I've never found her urinary incontinence to be offensive but it affected our sex life anyway. I'm not sure how much her incontinence affected our sex life, but I know it had a definite effect."
  
  Breaking the Vicious Cycle
  Can you see how a vicious cycle starts to form around the issue of a woman's urinary incontinence? The woman is embarrassed about her condition, despite reassurance from her spouse, so she avoids sex. The man does his best to reassure his wife, to no avail, and becomes frustrated with the situation. Relationship issues arise, and when the couple does have sex, the encounter is less than enjoyable.
  
  The best way to break the vicious cycle is to get help. Urinary incontinence is not a terminal condition, and there is a world of help waiting for affected women. Check out the links below to learn more about how men are affected by women's urinary incontinence, as well articles on how women can get the help they need to solve their urinary incontinence.
  
  Women with Urinary Incontinence: Are You Deaf to Spousal Reassurance?
  How Men Are Affected by Women's Urinary Incontinence
  How to Find the Right Doctor
  3 Steps to Prepare for Your Doctor's Appointment
  Facts About Urinary Incontinence to Inspire You to Get Help
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maile/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/15/think-wet-panties-are-just-a-sign-of-aging-think-again http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/15/think-wet-panties-are-just-a-sign-of-aging-think-again Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:39:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/15/think-wet-panties-are-just-a-sign-of-aging-think-again A lot of mature women are walking around with wet panties when they shouldn't be.
  
  And we're not talking about the "sexy" kind of wet panties; we're talking about the wet panties you get from urinary incontinence.
  
  Why are these women walking around with wet panties?
  
  Because many of them [...]]]> A lot of mature women are walking around with wet panties when they shouldn't be.
  
  And we're not talking about the "sexy" kind of wet panties; we're talking about the wet panties you get from urinary incontinence.
  
  Why are these women walking around with wet panties?
  
  Because many of them (34%) think it's a normal sign of aging, so they just shrug it off rather than getting help from a health care professional.
  
  Well we've got news for you: urinary incontinence is not normal or healthy at any age.
  
  The idea that female urinary incontinence "just happens" as we age is one of the biggest myths about this condition. For instance, many women believe that the average age at which women experience stress urinary incontinence symptoms is 50 and older.
  
  That simply isn't true.
  
  In fact, 40% of women first experience stress urinary incontinence symptoms before they are 40, and 23% had symptoms before they were 30.
  
  Still think that urinary incontinence automatically goes hand in hand with aging? It doesn't. So much for that myth!
  
  Want to know more about urinary incontinence? Click the links below to get the facts about female urinary incontinence, debunk the myths, and learn where to get help for your wet panties!
  
  Debunking Myths About Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
  Debunking Yet More Funky Myths about Urinary Incontinence
  Urinary Incontinence - Not Just a Problem for Mature Women
  How to Find the Right Doctor to Treat Your Urinary Incontinence
  
  Photo credit: Free Digital Photos
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/14/stress-urinary-incontinence-symptoms-improved-by-kegels-really http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/14/stress-urinary-incontinence-symptoms-improved-by-kegels-really Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:38:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/14/stress-urinary-incontinence-symptoms-improved-by-kegels-really
  Many of these women actually do their Kegels, which is great news, since these exercises have been shown to be effective in reducing stress urinary incontinence symptoms.
  
  At [...]]]>
  Many of these women actually do their Kegels, which is great news, since these exercises have been shown to be effective in reducing stress urinary incontinence symptoms.
  
  At the same time, many of these women are doing their Kegels incorrectly, which is bad news. Here's why:
  
  1. These women don't get any relief from their urinary incontinence symptoms.
  
  2. This gives Kegels and other pelvic floor retraining techniques a bad name, since these women claim Kegels "just don't work."
  
  3. Many of these women could experience relief from their symptoms if they learned to do Kegels correctly.
  
  So let's see if we can shed some light on this situation. First, let's review the statistics about the effectiveness of Kegels.
  
  Kegels Do Work, Really!
  Studies show that women with stress urinary incontinence strongly benefit from doing Kegels. For instance, a review of recent studies on the effects of Kegel exercises indicates that women who did the exercises were anywhere from 2.5 to 17 times more likely to be cured of symptoms.
  
  In addition, in another study 70% of women with urinary incontinence who used vaginal weights saw improvement in their symptoms after four to six weeks of using them. The Mayo Clinic supports this data, indicating that many women experience relief from their stress urinary incontinence symptoms 8 to 12 weeks after starting to do Kegels.
  
  So Why Don't Kegels Work for Many Women?
  That's a good question. If Kegels and other pelvic floor retraining methods are so effective for women participating in these studies, what's going on with the other women for whom Kegels achieve "don't work"?
  
  Two factors: correctness and consistency
  
  Although doing a Kegel, which involves contracting the pelvic floor muscles, can seem like a "no brainer," a staggering 50% of women do this exercise incorrectly, usually because they cannot locate and engage the right muscles. Instead they contract their buttock or thigh muscles. Some women may need to seek some "hands on help" from a physical therapist before they can engage the right muscles.
  
  Consistency is the other issue. Many women think, "Oh, I should do my Kegels!" but then forget to actually do them. For Kegels to work, they should be done daily. Many physicians suggest women do Kegels for life, especially if they have experienced stress urinary incontinence.
  
  Kegels and pelvic floor retraining exercises, when done correctly and consistently, can and do relieve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Plus, they are so subtle that you can do them while your car is idling at a stoplight or while you are waiting in line for some fast food (some of the women in the picture above may be doing Kegels ... who could tell?).
  
  If you suffer from symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, doing correct and consistent Kegels should definitely be on your "To Do" list ... don't you think?
  
  Read more about Kegels and New Moms
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blmurch/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/12/new-years-resolutions-for-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/12/new-years-resolutions-for-urinary-incontinence Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:39:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/12/new-years-resolutions-for-urinary-incontinence
  You're not the only one.
  
  One in four women over the age of 18 has suffered from urinary incontinence. The good news is that the New Year is just around the corner, which makes it the perfect time to set your New Year's Resolution. [...]]]>
  You're not the only one.
  
  One in four women over the age of 18 has suffered from urinary incontinence. The good news is that the New Year is just around the corner, which makes it the perfect time to set your New Year's Resolution.
  
  Resolve to solve your urinary incontinence this coming year! Instead of waiting the epic seven years it takes the average woman to seek help, do it now. Pronounce this New Year your year for getting help.
  
  Seven Steps Towards a New Year of Dry Panties
  To fulfill your New Year's resolution, you are going to need some help. Can't figure out what to do? Here are seven steps to get you from wet panties to dry ones. You may have already taken a few of these steps, but faltered before you fully solved your urinary incontinence issues. Read through these steps and see which ones you need to get help for your urinary incontinence.
  
  #1: Know Thyself
  No one knows your symptoms of urinary incontinence better than you. If you are going to get help this coming year, you need to be able to "tell your story" to your doctor. One of the best ways to do this is to keep what is called a "voiding journal." For a few days, jot down the following:
  
  - when, how much, and what kinds of fluids you drink
  - when and how many times you urinate during the day
  - how many times a day you experience leakage, how much you leak, and under what conditions (such as coughing or sneezing, or during the night)
  
  Also keep track of any other health issues and symptoms, even if you don't think they are related to your urinary incontinence.
  
  #2: Find a Doctor and Schedule an Appointment
  A staggering number of women get stuck here ... staring at the phone, unable to make the call. Just thinking about discussing their urinary incontinence with a doctor embarrasses many women. Don't let embarrassment (or anything else) stop you. First, find a doctor (click here for the best way to do that), and then schedule an appointment. Most importantly, be sure to specify that your appointment is for urinary incontinence. That will ensure that you will actually discuss urinary incontinence when you go to your appointment.
  
  #3: Get a Diagnosis and Get Your Questions Answered
  Once you have committed yourself to getting help by scheduling an appointment, make the most of it. To ensure that you get the help you need drag a gal pal with you to your appointment if you have to. Answer the doctor as honestly and fully as you can, and get a true diagnosis of your condition (read about the different kinds of urinary incontinence here). Plus be sure to get every one of your own questions answered.
  
  #4: Try Conservative Therapy
  This resolution is for those of you who think conservative therapy is like trying to plug a leaking dam with your thumb: ineffective. You might be surprised at how far medicine has come, and how many conservative therapy options are available. Ask your doctor about the latest and greatest in conservative therapy, and try one. If it doesn't improve your symptoms, ask for more help. For instance, you may be doing your Kegels faithfully but incorrectly. Hands-on help from a physical therapist can help you learn to engage the correct muscles, making this therapy much more effective.
  
  #5: Combine Conservative Therapies
  Sometimes one type of therapy alone isn't enough to improve your symptoms. If you have tried single therapies, like doing Kegels or using medication, with little result, your doctor may recommend combining therapies. Not every therapy works for every woman or every type of urinary incontinence, but often combining therapies can vastly improve your symptoms. For instance, watching what you eat and drink, taking medication, and doing Kegels consistently may help where a single therapy will not.
  
  #6: Consider Surgery
  Going under the knife can be a scary thought, but these days many kinds of surgery for urinary incontinence are minimally-invasive outpatient procedures with short recovery periods. More importantly, the results are effective. Read Helen's story to learn more.
  
  #7: Do Something, Darn It!
  Last but not least, whichever of these steps applies to you and your urinary incontinence, the most important step is to take action. Don't suffer through another year of wet panties. Take action. Do something. Get help. Be a strong advocate for your own healthcare. If nothing else, start by learning about urinary incontinence in the privacy of your own home:
  
  Is This You?
  How the Story Ends
  
  Photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/crystalflickr/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/11/what-do-orange-juice-bananas-and-urine-have-in-common http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/11/what-do-orange-juice-bananas-and-urine-have-in-common Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:57:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2010/01/11/what-do-orange-juice-bananas-and-urine-have-in-common
  Female urinary incontinence.
  
  Orange juice and bananas, like coffee and cheese, should be avoided by women suffering from urinary incontinence symptoms. Why? Orange juice and [...]]]>
  Aside from the fact that all of these items are yellowish in color, they also share a common link to a condition that affects 1 in 4 women:
  
  Female urinary incontinence.
  
  Orange juice and bananas, like coffee and cheese, should be avoided by women suffering from urinary incontinence symptoms. Why? Orange juice and coffee are both acidic, while bananas and cheese contain arylalkylamines. Food and drink that are either acidic or have arylalkylamines can worsen urinary incontinence symptoms in women.
  
  That's bad news unless you want to walk around with wet panties all the time.
  
  But don't worry. This doesn't mean that a chunk of cheese can never cross your lips again. It just means that if you suffer from urinary incontinence, you need to pay attention to what you eat and drink.
  
  You don't have to avoid foods and drinks that are acidic or contain arylalkylamines, altogether. Just eat or drink these items in moderation.
  
  Want to know more? Get a list of foods and drinks to avoid, and learn what you can do to ease urinary incontinence symptoms if you go overboard. Read the full article about this topic by clicking the link below:
  
  Healthy Bladder: Foods and Drinks to Avoid
  
  Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradleypjohnson/ / CC BY 2.0
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/12/16/healthy-bladder-foods-and-drinks-to-avoid-this-holiday-season http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/12/16/healthy-bladder-foods-and-drinks-to-avoid-this-holiday-season Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:13:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/12/16/healthy-bladder-foods-and-drinks-to-avoid-this-holiday-season Healthy Bladder: Foods and Drinks to Avoid This Holiday Season
  
  The holidays are just around the corner, and for women dealing with urinary incontinence, all that holiday food can look like a minefield rather than a tasty buffet! They spend their time wondering which foods and drinks are going to bring on a leakage accident, and [...]]]> Healthy Bladder: Foods and Drinks to Avoid This Holiday Season
  
  The holidays are just around the corner, and for women dealing with urinary incontinence, all that holiday food can look like a minefield rather than a tasty buffet! They spend their time wondering which foods and drinks are going to bring on a leakage accident, and which are “safe.”
  
  If you have suffered from urinary incontinence for a while, then you probably already know that certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder and cause urine leakage—definitely not something you want to happen at the big Christmas party.
  
  Have a Healthy Bladder This Holiday Season
  The key to preventing urine leakage accidents this holiday season is to stay away from two categories of food and drink. Avoid foods and drinks that:
  
  - are acidic
  - contain arylalkylamines (tyrosine, tyramine, tryptophan, aspirate, and phenylalamine)
  
  Foods and drinks in these two categories both tend to irritate inflamed areas of the bladder and urethra, and cause leakage.
  
  Acidic Foods and Drinks to Avoid
  There are lots of acidic foods and drinks out there, but during the holiday season these are the ones that you are most likely to encounter:
  
  - alcoholic or carbonated drinks
  - spicy food
  - citrus fruits or juices
  - other fruits including apples, cranberries, grapes, pineapples, strawberries and plums
  - tomatoes
  - anything that contains vinegar
  - caffeinated drinks
  
  Foods and Drinks Containing Arylalkylamines to Avoid
  Don’t even bother trying to pronounce the word “arylalkylamines.” Just try to avoid eating or drinking the following at holiday parties:
  
  - Drinks: champagne, beer, wine
  - Vegetables: avocados, fava and lima beans, onions
  - Fruits: bananas, figs, cranberries, pineapple, prunes, raisins
  - Other Goodies: cheese, chicken livers, chocolate, corned beef, mayonnaise, nuts, sour cream, soy sauce, and yogurt
  
  Everything in Moderation
  If the list of food and drink to avoid this holiday season looks horrible, don’t panic. Your holiday food doesn’t have to be limited to bread and water. Just avoid overdoing when it comes to eating or drinking the items on the lists above.
  
  Plus, there is help if you overdo it. If you find yourself stuffing down Christmas chocolates because they are too good to avoid, you can dilute the effects of your overindulgence by drinking plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water may reduce urine acidity and dilute any effects of these specific irritants. Another option you can try is an over-the-counter supplement called Prelief. Taking Prelief at mealtime may help reduce bladder irritation and leakage accidents.
  
  The bottom line is this: having dry panties this holiday season just means being a little choosier when it comes to what you eat and drink. You should definitely eat, drink, and be merry during the holidays. If you do all of that with a little discretion, you’ll see more of your friends and less of the bathroom!
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/11/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-overcoming-embarrassment http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/11/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-overcoming-embarrassment Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:36:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/11/10/womens-urinary-incontinence-overcoming-embarrassment
  1. Only about 50% of women with urinary incontinence ever seek help
  2. Embarrassment is one of the primary reasons preventing these women from asking for help
  3. According to the Agency of Healthcare Research and Policy, urinary [...]]]>
  1. Only about 50% of women with urinary incontinence ever seek help
  2. Embarrassment is one of the primary reasons preventing these women from asking for help
  3. According to the Agency of Healthcare Research and Policy, urinary incontinence can be improved in 8 out of 10 cases
  
  Does this sound crazy to you?
  
  Why Urinary Incontinence is Embarrassing
  Despite the fact that urinary incontinence affects more people than conditions like diabetes or Alzheimer’s, half of all women with urinary incontinence won’t seek help. Those who do seek help wait, on average, almost seven years. Why?
  
  In a recent seminar co-sponsored by the National Association for Continence, experts discussed how cultural taboos prevent people from talking about this topic. These experts explained how shame is associated with bathroom issues from an early age, during the potty-training stage. Young children are taught that they are either “good girls” or “bad girls,” depending on whether they “performed” well in potty training.
  
  Years later, the same “good girl” and “bad girl” language subconsciously haunts women, and keeps them from discussing their problems of urinary incontinence with healthcare providers.
  
  How to Overcome the Embarrassment
  While discussing urinary incontinence is embarrassing for many women, there are ways to overcome that emotion. After all, most of us have learned to overcome embarrassment about other situations in our life, why not about urinary incontinence? If you are ready to get over your embarrassment and get help, here are two simple steps you can take:
  
  Discuss Your Situation with the Right Person
  Chat with a close woman friend who has had urinary incontinence and sought help. Not only will she understand and sympathize with your situation, but she will be able to offer you guidance and advice based on her own experiences. You need not feel embarrassed talking to someone who has had the same experiences as you.
  
  Learn More About Your Condition
  Knowledge is power. Learning more about urinary incontinence gives you the knowledge and power you need to ask for help from a healthcare provider. Learn more about the different kinds of urinary incontinence and the available treatment options. Knowledge about your condition helps you understand that there are solutions available, and gives you the words you need to comfortably discuss your condition with your doctor.
  
  People say that it’s never too late to have a happy childhood. We say that it’s never too early to seek help for your urinary incontinence. The earlier you address your condition, the faster you will see positive results with the right treatment. Commit to taking a step toward drier panties today, whether it be talking to someone about your condition or learning more about urinary incontinence online.
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/11/02/stress-urinary-incontinence-is-transobturator-tape-surgery-right-for-you http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/11/02/stress-urinary-incontinence-is-transobturator-tape-surgery-right-for-you Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:46:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/11/02/stress-urinary-incontinence-is-transobturator-tape-surgery-right-for-you “Don’t touch me with that knife!”
  
  That is the instinctive response many women suffering from urinary incontinence have when they think about surgery to correct their symptoms. But for women with stress urinary incontinence, minimally-invasive surgery can be a real boon when conservative therapies are not [...]]]> “Don’t touch me with that knife!”
  
  That is the instinctive response many women suffering from urinary incontinence have when they think about surgery to correct their symptoms. But for women with stress urinary incontinence, minimally-invasive surgery can be a real boon when conservative therapies are not enough to significantly relieve or cure their symptoms.
  
  The Transobturator Tape and Urinary Incontinence
  One of the most common surgeries to correct stress urinary incontinence is the transobturator tape. With this surgery a mesh tape is inserted around the urethra to support it like a hammock. This hammock helps the urethra close more tightly during times of stress, such as when you cough or sneeze. The tape is permanent, and the body’s natural healing process anchors it into place.
  
  This surgery requires only three tiny incisions, and can be performed as a day surgery. Success rates are high with the transobturator tape. A recent study published in a urology journal reported that 90% of women who had this surgery to correct stress urinary incontinence were completely cured. A further 5% reported that their symptoms were improved.
  
  One Woman’s Experience with the Transobturator Tape
  If you’re not sure whether conservative surgery, such as the transobturator tape, is right for you, discuss your concerns in detail with your healthcare specialist. Also, consider the interview below with a patient who has recently undergone this procedure for her stress urinary incontinence. Her experience and excellent results may help you feel more comfortable about exploring this procedure for yourself.
  
  Are you pleased with the results of your TOT?
  Oh, yes, this has changed my life.
  
  How so?
  I can exercise again without fear of leakage, and I am losing some weight. I can sit through a movie and through church. Maybe best of all, I can have sex with my husband without fear of peeing on him.
  
  Are you sorry you waited so long to have the surgery?
  Absolutely. I tell all my friends to go see their doctors if they share this embarrassing problem.
  
  How was your recovery?
  It was virtually painless. I think I took two pain pills the first night, and after that, only Tylenol.
  
  What else would you like to tell the women out there who are still leaking urine?
  Get help! You don't have to live this way. Do it now. Life’s too short to be running around with wet underwear.
  
  Words of Wisdom and Resources for Urinary Incontinence
  We hope the words of wisdom and experience above help you better consider your treatment options for urinary incontinence. If you need more information, learn online:
  
  Is This You?
  Happy Endings for Women with Wet Panties
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/20/urinary-incontinence-3-steps-to-prepare-for-your-doctors-appointment http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/20/urinary-incontinence-3-steps-to-prepare-for-your-doctors-appointment Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:22:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/20/urinary-incontinence-3-steps-to-prepare-for-your-doctors-appointment
  Preparing for [...]]]>
  Preparing for your appointment doesn’t have to be complicated, but you should take the time to do so. Good preparation leads to good communication during the appointment. Your doctor gets all the information he or she needs to accurately evaluate your condition. You get answers to your questions and can explore your treatment options. You can prepare for your appointment in three easy steps.
  
  Step 1: Observe Your Symptoms
  If you have been dealing with symptoms of urinary incontinence, this may seem odd, since no doubt you are quite familiar with your symptoms. However, your doctor will probably ask you some very specific questions, so you will need to observe your symptoms closely for a few days, and jot down some notes. In fact, some healthcare providers even ask their patients, when they schedule their appointment, to keep a voiding diary prior to the appointment.
  
  Keeping a voiding diary is a good idea whether your doctor’s office requests it or not, and will help your doctor assess your situation more accurately. To keep a voiding diary, simply track of the following for a few days:
  
  - when, how much, and what kinds of fluids you drink
  - when and how many times you urinate during the day
  - how many times a day you experience leakage, how much you leak, and under what conditions (such as coughing or sneezing, or during the night)
  
  Also jot down any other health issues you experience, even if you think they are not related to your urinary incontinence.
  
  Step 2: Make Your List
  In addition to keeping a voiding diary, jot down a list of supplements and medications you are taking, and write a list of questions you have for your doctor. The list will come in handy during your appointment and remind you to ask all of your questions. For urinary incontinence, you may wish to ask your doctor the following:
  
  - what kind of urinary incontinence you have (stress, urge, mixed, or pelvic organ prolapse)
  - whether your urinary incontinence symptoms can be improved or cured
  - what kinds of tests you might need to assess your situation
  - whether lifestyle changes or diet modification might help
  - what kinds of conservative therapies might improve your symptoms
  - whether your medications could be aggravating your condition
  - whether there are medications that would help your condition
  - whether surgery is necessary
  
  Step 3: Gather Your Stuff and Prepare Yourself
  On the day of your appointment, gather up all of your “stuff.” You’ll want to take your voiding diary, your list of questions, as well as a notepad and pen so you can write down important information during your appointment. If you were not able to list all of the medications and supplements you are taking in the step above, simply gather all the bottles and pills into a bag and bring them with you to your appointment. If you have difficulty seeing or hearing, be sure to bring your glasses or hearing aids.
  
  You may also want to ask a close friend or family member come with you to your appointment. Your companion can help you remember to ask all of your questions, and remember important information. Finally, your doctor may want to do a pelvic exam, especially if you have scheduled an appointment with a urologist or urogynecologist, so you may want to take special care with your personal hygiene before your appointment.
  
  Then, having thoroughly prepared yourself for your appointment, you are ready to fully explore the many available treatment options for solving your urinary incontinence issues.
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/14/are-you-coping-with-rather-than-curing-your-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/14/are-you-coping-with-rather-than-curing-your-urinary-incontinence Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:25:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/14/are-you-coping-with-rather-than-curing-your-urinary-incontinence
  Does This Sound Like You?
  You don’t have time to run to the bathroom at the grocery store so you try to “hold it” until you get home, only to discover that you don’t quite make it. Instead, you find yourself digging through your purse for your house keys while urine streams down your leg.
  
  You decide you are never going to allow this situation to happen again, so you start scouting out and using bathrooms at various stores as you run errands. Maybe you carry an absorbent pad with you in your purse, or start wearing pants that are easy to pull down.
  
  If your condition worsens, you might even start carrying a change of clothing with you or stop going to the gym for your morning workout to avoid the embarrassing “wet panty” look that sometimes happens. Before long, “girls night out” and dating fall by the wayside, not to mention sex.
  
  Does this sound like you?
  
  The Shrinking World of Urinary Incontinence
  If you are coping with rather than curing your urinary incontinence, you are living in a shrinking world, whether you realize it or not. You live in a world confined to locations with convenient bathrooms. You are tethered to your purse, in which you carry absorbent pads and maybe a change of clothes. Perhaps even your fashion sense is now dictated by clothing that you can get off in a hurry. Plus, your social life diminishes as your fear of a public accident increases.
  
  What you may not realize is that when you cope with urinary leakage instead of focusing on cure, you deny the effect it has on the quality of your life. Did you know that 40% of women experience urinary incontinence before they reach age 40? And 23% of women have urinary leakage before age 30. Are you prepared to “cope” with urine leakage for half of your life or longer?
  
  Focus on Curing Rather Than Coping with Urinary Incontinence
  It’s never too early to seek cure for your urinary incontinence symptoms because the earlier you seek help, the faster you will see positive results. According to the Agency of Healthcare Research and Policy, urinary incontinence can be improved in 8 out of 10 cases. Those are pretty strong odds in your favor.
  
  So what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to stop living a shrinking world where you just cope with your urine leakage? Isn’t it time to start living your life to the fullest by focusing on cure instead?
  
  Get started here.
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/06/is-your-chronic-uncertainty-about-urinary-incontinence-causing-you-stress http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/06/is-your-chronic-uncertainty-about-urinary-incontinence-causing-you-stress Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:49:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/10/06/is-your-chronic-uncertainty-about-urinary-incontinence-causing-you-stress American Urological Association, chronic uncertainty is one of the major forms of stress in today’s culture. More importantly, the chronic uncertainty associated with urinary incontinence can cause women to feel levels of stress similar to [...]]]> American Urological Association, chronic uncertainty is one of the major forms of stress in today’s culture. More importantly, the chronic uncertainty associated with urinary incontinence can cause women to feel levels of stress similar to that felt by people suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS). That’s a lot of stress!
  
  What Women with Urinary Incontinence Stress About
  Women coping with symptoms of urinary incontinence tend to stress about numerous issues on a daily basis, most of them dealing with uncertainty. They wonder if they:
  
  - smell like urine
  - will have an embarrassing accident and leak urine while in public or during sex
  - can make it to the bathroom before an accident
  - can find enough bathrooms at work
  - will be able to get up the courage to ask for help
  - will be able to afford adult diapers and other medical aids
  - will ever find a cure for their urine leakage symptoms
  
  … and that’s just a short list of worries that can cause a woman to feel chronic uncertainty.
  
  The Stress of Chronic Uncertainty in Urinary Incontinence
  The first few times they experience urine leakage, most women feel worry and embarrassment. When the symptoms of urinary incontinence don’t go away, but linger or even get worse, many women begin experiencing chronic uncertainty.
  
  The stress of this uncertainty becomes a factor of everyday life, not just an occasional worry that pops up from time to time. In fact, this kind of stress can have such a strong effect that many medical organizations have recently started recognizing this kind of chronic uncertainty as a “health-related quality of life factor,” and begun using it as a factor in making policy decisions.
  
  Are You Stressing Unnecessarily?
  The worst thing about the stress associated with urinary incontinence is that it is usually unnecessary. There are many new and innovative therapies available today for women suffering from urine leakage, and the success rates of these therapies are very high.
  
  So ask yourself what is worse: the daily stress you suffer from dealing with the uncertainty of urinary incontinence, or the possible embarrassment of seeking help from a health practitioner?
  
  Avoid Chronic Stress and Get Help for Urinary Incontinence
  Life is stressful enough without having to deal with urinary incontinence on a daily basis. Learn how women are successfully alleviating and curing their symptoms of urinary incontinence by reading these short stories:
  
  Is This You?
  How the Story Ends
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/29/lost-in-translation-getting-treatment-for-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/29/lost-in-translation-getting-treatment-for-urinary-incontinence Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:33:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/29/lost-in-translation-getting-treatment-for-urinary-incontinence American Urological Association, requests for help with urinary incontinence often get “lost in translation” at [...]]]> American Urological Association, requests for help with urinary incontinence often get “lost in translation” at the doctor’s office.
  
  For instance, a doctor may ask a patient if she suffers from urinary incontinence, but she may not understand the terminology and just says, “No.” So the woman doesn’t get the help she needs for her urine leakage symptoms. In addition, only about 50% of women suffering from urinary incontinence ever seek help, and only 23% of primary physicians ask their patients about this condition. The result? A lot of unnecessary wet panties.
  
  How Request for Help Get Lost in Translation
  During a recent seminar co-sponsored by the National Association for Continence, experts stressed the importance of women taking active steps to communicate clearly with their doctors. They listed many different ways in which a woman’s request for help for her urinary leakage symptoms could get lost in translation. Examples include:
  
  Different Words
  Many women don’t understand medical terminology or know what is considered normal when it comes to frequency of urination. A woman who makes many trips to the bathroom might say she does not suffer from urinary incontinence because she does really understand this phrase. She may just think that she goes to the bathroom a lot, not that she has a medical condition. Unless she tells her doctor that she “goes to the bathroom a lot” this conservation never goes any further, and the woman doesn’t get the help she needs.
  
  Making Light of the Situation
  Some women arrive at their appointment prepared with a list of questions about urinary incontinence. However, when the issue of urinary leakage is raised, they find themselves too embarrassed to discuss, and make light of the situation. They might laugh it off or make a joke about it. Again, end of discussion.
  
  Doorknob Requests
  Women who are embarrassed to discuss their urine leakage with their doctors often can’t bear to bring up the subject until the end of the appointment—literally when their hand is on the doorknob of the exam room and they are ready to leave. At this point, desperate for help, they may turn to their doctor and finally raise the issue. Unfortunately, this late in the appointment, the doctor rarely has the time to engage in a serious discussion or offer serious help, so the patient again does not get the help she needs.
  
  How to Avoid Getting Lost in Translation
  If you truly want to and are ready to address your urinary incontinence, there are definite ways you can avoid getting lost in translation when you finally arrive at your doctor’s office. Here are a few suggestions:
  
  1. Be clear about the reason for your appointment when you schedule it.
  Practice saying the words “urine leakage” or “urinary incontinence” if you have to so that you can easily say these words when you book your appointment.
  
  2. Write a list of your symptoms.
  Bring the list with you to your appointment. The list should include the number of times you use the bathroom, how often and how much you leak urine, under what circumstances you leak urine, how long you have experienced symptoms, and what steps you are currently taking to cope with your symptoms. Also be sure to include any medications you are taking.
  
  3. Bring a friend to your appointment.
  If you think you might chicken out when it comes to actually discussing your symptoms with your doctor during the appointment, bring a trusted friend or family member. Tell your “buddy” in advance what you want from your visit. Your companion can then remind you what you planned to discuss with your doctor if you forget or become too embarrassed.
  
  Once you get past the barrier of actually asking for help, you will find the rest of the process much easier. Your job, as a responsible advocate for your own health care, is to ensure that you clearly make your request for help to your doctor. If you don’t understand what your doctor is asking or telling you, ask for clarification. Keep asking until you get the information in words that make sense to you.
  
  Finally, if you don’t get the satisfaction you seek from one doctor, look for another. Check out our tips for finding the right doctor for you here:
  
  How to Find the Right Doctor for Your Urinary Incontinence
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/16/urinary-incontinence-and-weight-gain-breaking-the-vicious-cycle http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/16/urinary-incontinence-and-weight-gain-breaking-the-vicious-cycle Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:37:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/16/urinary-incontinence-and-weight-gain-breaking-the-vicious-cycle
  Thus begins the vicious cycle where incontinent women can’t exercise for fear of leakage, which causes further [...]]]>
  Thus begins the vicious cycle where incontinent women can’t exercise for fear of leakage, which causes further weight gain … and even more urine leakage. In fact, one study indicates that almost one-third of middle-aged athletes were incontinent while exercising.
  
  The Runaway Weight Train
  It’s not uncommon for women with UI to find themselves riding on the runaway weight train. In addition to the fact that these women can’t exercise because of urine leakage, other issues surrounding UI contribute to weight gain. For instance, many women suffering from urinary incontinence:
  
  - isolate themselves, which leads to loneliness and depression, and then to emotional eating and bingeing
  - are menopausal, an age at which weight gain happens more quickly and easily than earlier in life
  - are sedentary, thus more likely to have urinary leakage according to the Nurses Health Study
  
  Paradoxically, new studies also indicate that certain classes of women who participate in very strenuous exercise early in life are more likely to suffer from urinary incontinence later in life! It’s easy to see how the vicious cycle of urinary incontinence and weight gain keeps going around, faster and faster.
  
  The Link between Exercise and Urine Leakage
  So why do women leak urine during exercise? There are two main reasons. First, women who have UI symptoms usually have weak pelvic floor muscles, which regular exercise does not strengthen or tone. Only exercises like Kegels, which target the pelvic floor muscles, can strengthen these internal muscles.
  
  Second, strenuous exercise that includes bouncing or jumping can put a lot of stress on pelvic floor muscles, causing weakness. Did you know that when you jump your pelvic floor has to withstand the force of 25 pounds of pressure from your internal organs slamming down on it? No wonder many women leak urine just stepping off a curb. This especially affects women who have stress urinary incontinence, meaning they leak when stress is applied to the abdominal cavity.
  
  What to Do If You Leak Urine While Exercising
  First and most importantly, don’t stop exercising! Weight gain can significantly worsen UI symptoms, while losing even a few pounds can improve those symptoms. If you leak urine while exercising, it’s time to seek help from a healthcare professional and research your options. There are many conservative therapies that can help you reduce or eliminate UI symptoms, along with minimally-invasive surgical techniques.
  
  Even if you have sought help before to no avail, you should keep asking. Ongoing research has resulted in new therapies that are more effective and may help you return to your regular exercise routine, without urine leakage.
  
  Not sure you’re ready to dive in and seek help? Here are some resources to get you started:
  
  Taking PRIDE in Weight Loss Results in Drier Panties
  
  Dreaming of Dry Panties? Help is Only a Call or Click Away
  
  How to Find the Right Doctor to Treat Your Urinary Incontinence
  
  Some Facts about Urinary Incontinence to Inspire You to Get Help
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/16/dealing-with-urinary-incontinence-be-your-own-healthcare-advocate http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/16/dealing-with-urinary-incontinence-be-your-own-healthcare-advocate Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:35:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/09/16/dealing-with-urinary-incontinence-be-your-own-healthcare-advocate
  Recent studies indicate that only about 50% of women suffering from urinary incontinence ever seek help, and only 23% of primary physicians ask their patients about this condition. [...]]]>
  Recent studies indicate that only about 50% of women suffering from urinary incontinence ever seek help, and only 23% of primary physicians ask their patients about this condition.
  
  At the same time, the Agency of Healthcare Research and Policy indicates that urinary incontinence can be improved in 8 out of 10 cases.
  
  What does this tell you? It should tell you that there is plenty of help available for women with wet panties, but only if they raise the issue. That’s why it is so important for you to be your own healthcare advocate when it comes to your urinary incontinence.
  
  Five Steps to Being Your Own Healthcare Advocate
  No one can be a better advocate for your health than you. Here are five simple steps you can take to become your own healthcare advocate.
  
  Step 1: Find a Doctor
  Today there are many healthcare professionals who specialize in treating women’s urinary incontinence. If you’re not sure how to find the right doctor, ask around. Word-of-mouth is still the most common way most women find doctors. You can also ask your primary physician for a referral. Read more about how to find the right doctor for you here.
  
  Step 2: Be Specific About the Reasons for the Appointment
  When you schedule the appointment, be sure to let the physician’s office that you wish to discuss your urinary incontinence, since statistics show that if you don’t raise the issue chances are that the doctor won’t either. You may also need to remind the nurse or doctor at the beginning of your appointment.
  
  Step 3: List Your Primary Concerns
  During your appointment, be sure to raise your primary concerns about treating your urinary incontinence because your doctor can’t read your mind. Whether your concerns are about the cost of treatment, fear of surgery, lack of success with prior surgeries, or the possibility that your situation may be more serious than just urine leakage, lay your cards on the table so your doctor can address these concerns.
  
  Step 4: Communicate About Yourself and Your Life
  You are an expert on your own life. Your doctor is an expert on medical therapies that can help with your urinary incontinence. Your appointment should be like a meeting between two experts. Communicate with your doctor about what kinds of therapies will and won’t fit into your lifestyle. For instance, if you want to improve your symptoms but are not ready for surgery, your doctor can recommend some conservative therapies for you.
  
  Step 5: Decide Whether You Will Take Your Doctor’s Advice
  Your doctor can help you improve your urinary incontinence symptoms only if you are willing to follow the suggested therapies. If you feel you can’t follow the suggested approach, be sure to let your doctor know. He or she might be able to suggest some alternative therapies, or you may need to find another healthcare specialist with a different approach.
  
  As you have probably realized the keys to being your own healthcare advocate are to take the needed action steps and to communicate clearly during the entire process. There are many physicians who are experts on therapies to treat urinary incontinence, but you are the only expert when it comes to yourself and your lifestyle. That’s why it’s so important for you to be your own healthcare advocate.
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/08/24/debunking-yet-more-funky-myths-about-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/08/24/debunking-yet-more-funky-myths-about-urinary-incontinence Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:21:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/08/24/debunking-yet-more-funky-myths-about-urinary-incontinence The amount of misinformation floating around about urinary incontinence (UI) continues to astound us, so much so that we feel the need to post yet another blog to debunk these myths. Here are just a few myths about urinary incontinence that we felt were particularly debilitating to women suffering from UI.
  
  UI Doesn’t [...]]]> The amount of misinformation floating around about urinary incontinence (UI) continues to astound us, so much so that we feel the need to post yet another blog to debunk these myths. Here are just a few myths about urinary incontinence that we felt were particularly debilitating to women suffering from UI.
  
  UI Doesn’t Interfere with the Quality of Life
  According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, more than 62% of people suffering from UI rated their quality of life as “good or excellent.” This is despite the fact that in another survey, a high percentage said that the bathroom represents “a symbol of incarceration” because of the constant need to be near toilet facilities due to bladder issues. At the same time, only one in five people feel truly comfortable using bathroom facilities outside their own home. Still think UI doesn’t interfere with the quality of life?
  
  Childbirth Does Not Put Women at Risk for UI
  More than 1/3 of women surveyed by the National Association for Continence, including women who had UI symptoms, felt that having a baby did not increase the chances of urine leakage. To the contrary, statistics show that post-partum women are 2.5 times as likely to have UI symptoms as women who have not given birth.
  
  I Don’t Need to See a Doctor about UI
  Fifty percent of women suffering from stress urinary incontinence never see a doctor, and the variety of reasons they gave when surveyed for not seeking help are truly amazing:
  
  - 64% said it wasn’t enough of a problem
  - 34% assumed it was supposed to happen with age
  - 22% were not asked by their doctor
  - 19% dealt with it using absorbent pads
  - 17% were not aware anything could be done
  - 17% were too busy
  - 10% didn’t have a doctor
  
  Does this shock you? It shocks us. UI isn’t healthy or normal at any age, and the success rates for UI treatments are high for most women. Don’t just deal with your UI symptoms by yourself. Get help!
  
  Don’t Know Where to Start?
  Help abounds for women with UI. Whether you get Google UI treatments or you ask a close girlfriend for a referral to a doctor, there are plenty of resources to help relieve your symptoms. Read the other posts on this blog or check out your symptoms on the Wet Matters website. Here are also some additional online resources to help you out:
  
  National Association for Continence
  
  American Urologic Association Foundation
  
  Medline Plus
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/08/16/debunking-myths-about-stress-urinary-incontinence-sui http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/08/16/debunking-myths-about-stress-urinary-incontinence-sui Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:06:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/08/16/debunking-myths-about-stress-urinary-incontinence-sui
  Surprisingly, many women don’t know the answers to these questions—even women who currently have SUI. There are quite a few “old [...]]]>
  Surprisingly, many women don’t know the answers to these questions—even women who currently have SUI. There are quite a few “old wives’ tales” about this condition floating around out there. Many women continue to believe them because, as it turns out, urinary incontinence is less understood than conditions like allergies or diabetes.
  
  Beliefs About SUI – True or False?
  What do you believe? Here are some statements about SUI that the National Association for Continence used to survey women’s beliefs about this condition. See if you can tell whether these statements are true or false.
  
  Drinking a lot of liquids puts a woman at risk for SUI.
  False. Forty-two percent of women believe this myth. In fact, drinking too little liquid can actually worsen symptoms of urinary incontinence. A better option would be to focus on strengthening your pelvic floor muscles to prevent leakage, and modifying certain aspects of your lifestyle. This may include bladder retraining and timing your fluid intake.
  
  Feeling stressed at home or in the office is a risk factor for SUI.
  False. Over one-quarter of the women surveyed believe this myth. Actually, the “stress” part of SUI means that you leak urine when you put stress on your abdominal cavity, such as when you cough or sneeze.
  
  The average age of women when they first experience symptoms of SUI is 44.
  True. In fact 40% of women first experience SUI symptoms even before they are 40, and 23% had symptoms before they were 30. Despite these statistics, over half those surveyed believe that the average age at which women experience SUI symptoms is 50 and over. This reflects the myth that SUI is a sign of aging.
  
  Having too much sex puts a woman at risk for SUI.
  False. Women ages 25-34 are most likely to believe this myth (29% of them do), while 20% of women ages 18-24 also believe it. In reality, a healthy active sex life that encourages you to exercise your pelvic floor muscles reduces the risk of SUI.
  
  How Did You Score?
  Were you able to tell which statements above were myths and which were true? Do you want to learn more about SUI and other forms of urinary incontinence? Stay tuned for our next blog post, in which we debunk yet more myths about this subject. Also, you can learn more about pelvic floor health by visiting the Wet Matters website:
  
  Is This You?
  How the Story Ends
  
  ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/27/new-moms-and-kegels-myths-and-facts http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/27/new-moms-and-kegels-myths-and-facts Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:13:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/27/new-moms-and-kegels-myths-and-facts Kegel Facts
  Here are some statistics you might not know about pregnant and post-partum women:
  
  
  • About 30% of post-partum women are affected by urinary incontinence (UI)
  • Kegels, done correctly, help 80% of women suffering from UI
  • 46% of pregnant women reported receiving no information about Kegels in one [...]]]> Kegel Facts
    Here are some statistics you might not know about pregnant and post-partum women:
    
    
    • About 30% of post-partum women are affected by urinary incontinence (UI)
    • Kegels, done correctly, help 80% of women suffering from UI
    • 46% of pregnant women reported receiving no information about Kegels in one study (International Urogynecology Journal, January 2006)
    • 50% of women cannot locate the correct pelvic muscles to do a Kegel with just verbal or written instructions
    
    Knowing these facts, is it any wonder that many new moms either don’t know about Kegels or don’t know how to do Kegels correctly?
    
    Kegel Myths
    Kegels Don’t Work
    One popular myth among new mothers is that Kegels don’t work, meaning they don’t help with symptoms of pelvic floor weakness, like urinary incontinence or decreased sexual sensation. This myth is prevalent because many post-partum women are not given enough guidance to locate the right pelvic muscles to do a correct Kegel.
    
    Says Sarah Hamilton Boyles, a urogynecologist and research director for the Providence Continence Center, “They’re hard muscles to engage. It’s not like flexing your biceps.” Many women tighten their inner thighs or buttocks rather than their pelvic floor muscles, and need “hands on” help to locate the correct muscles. Experts add that many women simply forget to do their Kegels consistently, leading to less than spectacular results.
    
    Tip: If you are not getting good results from doing Kegels, consider asking for some “hands on” help from your obstetrician/gynecologist.
    
    Kegels Hinder Labor and Delivery
    Another myth is that over-toning the pelvic floor muscles by doing Kegels during pregnancy makes the pelvic floor too strong and less elastic, making labor and delivery more difficult.
    
    A Norwegian study reported in the Journal Obstetrics & Gynecology debunks this myth. Women who did Kegel exercises three times a week by the 30th week of pregnancy had lower rates of severe tearing during childbirth, unplanned Cesarean sections, and deliveries requiring forceps or a vacuum.
    
    In fact, a study done at Trondheim University Hospital in England indicated that women who did pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy experienced fewer instances of prolonged second-stage labor that lasted more than an hour. Other studies show that women who did Kegels during pregnancy also experienced fewer UI symptoms post-partum.
    
    Tip: If you are pregnant, start doing Kegels now. Also consider doing perineal massage. If you are not sure how to do these, ask for help from your obstetrician/gynecologist. Remember, 50% of women cannot correctly isolate the correct pelvic muscles to do a Kegel with just written or verbal instruction, so get “hands on” help if necessary.
    
    ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/17/startling-facts-about-adult-diapers-and-briefs http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/17/startling-facts-about-adult-diapers-and-briefs Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:42:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/17/startling-facts-about-adult-diapers-and-briefs Did you know that:
    
    
    • Adult diapers and briefs currently make up 7% of our nation’s landfill?
    • Baby diapers currently contribute just 2-3% of landfill waste?
    • Diapers are the third largest type of landfill waste?
    • The average adult diaper or brief will take up to 200 years to decompose (the [...]]]> Did you know that:
      
      
      • Adult diapers and briefs currently make up 7% of our nation’s landfill?
      • Baby diapers currently contribute just 2-3% of landfill waste?
      • Diapers are the third largest type of landfill waste?
      • The average adult diaper or brief will take up to 200 years to decompose (the same amount of time as an aluminum can)?
      
      In the coming years, adult diapers will contribute an increasing percentage to our landfills. Not only are adult diapers and briefs larger than baby diapers, but the number of adults using diapers is on the rise.
      
      Most diapers go into landfills, which exist on the edge of cities and towns and are eventually covered by dirt. As towns and cities expand over time, they appropriate and build on top of these landfills. Housing developments spread across these previous trash dumps, leading some to wonder what future archaeologists will think when excavating these sites. Will they wonder about the anthropological meaning of so much plastic-backed paper products?
      
      Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
      If you or someone you know uses adult diaper products, there are two major ways to reduce your carbon footprint, or as some call it, your carbon “buttprint”:
      
      1. Use diaper boosters or diaper doublers. These are pads that go inside adult diapers, providing extra absorption and making each diaper last longer.
      
      2. Use long-lasting adult diapers. These diapers have been very popular in Europe and are available mostly online. While the average store-bought adult diaper lasts 2-3 hours, these long-lasting diapers allow users to go 6-8 hours before needing a change.
      
      You can read more about ways to “go green” with adult diapers in Gary Hirsch’s blog.
      
      Of course, the best way to reduce your carbon impact is to get out of adult diapers altogether by reducing symptoms of urinary incontinence. If you haven’t already, ask yourself the three questions we posed in our previous post to see if you have done everything you can to get out of diapers.
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/12/ouch-the-rising-cost-of-living-with-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/12/ouch-the-rising-cost-of-living-with-urinary-incontinence Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:50:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/12/ouch-the-rising-cost-of-living-with-urinary-incontinence
      According to the National Association for Continence, the average person suffering from urinary incontinence spends approximately $1,000 [...]]]>
      According to the National Association for Continence, the average person suffering from urinary incontinence spends approximately $1,000 per year managing their incontinence, which includes the cost of absorbent products, laundry, and pessaries. That’s a hefty sum in these trying economic times, and does not include non-generic drug costs, which can exceed $1,300 per year.
      
      On a national level, the cost of treating urinary incontinence is also on the rise, according to the National Institute of Health. Conservatively estimates put the cost at $20 billion, making the cost of treating this condition on par with that of treating arthritis. The cost is also significantly higher than the cost of treating conditions like breast cancer, pneumonia, or influenza. Not cheap.
      
      At the same time, according to the National Association for Continence, about 17% of women dealing with urinary incontinence use tissues, paper towels, or toilet paper instead of absorbent products designed for urinary incontinence. If you’ve checked prices in the adult diaper section recently, then you know that toilet paper is a lot cheaper to buy than adult diapers, which cost on average $0.70 each and last only 3 hours. Unfortunately, while toilet paper is cheap it doesn’t offer the comfort or security of an adult diaper.
      
      How to Get Yourself Out of Adult Diapers
      If you are feeling the financial strain of buying adult diapers but can’t deal with wads of toilet paper anymore, then stop. Ask yourself these three questions:
      
      1. Have I sought help for my urinary incontinence?
      2. Have I gotten a clear diagnosis for my condition? (i.e., stress, urge, or mixed urinary incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse)
      3. Have I learned about all the treatment options available for my condition, and have I taken action steps to try one or more of these treatments?
      
      If you answered “No” to any of the above questions, then you may be buying adult diapers when you don’t have to.
      
      To get yourself out of adult diapers, the first step is to ask for help, whether from sympathetic women friends, your spouse, your doctor, or a specialist who treats urinary incontinence.
      
      The second step is to get a clear diagnosis that you can understand. If you either can’t get a clear diagnosis or can’t get an explanation of your condition that makes sense to you, keep asking until you get what you need. You have to learn the causes of your condition before you can treat it. Learn more about the different urinary incontinence conditions on the Wet Matters website.
      
      The last step is to evaluate the different treatment options available, and to try one or more of them. What many women struggling with urinary incontinence don’t realize is that no single treatment works for every woman. You may have to try several different treatments before you find a treatment or a combination of treatments that work for you. The important point is to keep taking action steps toward resolving your incontinence until you find a solution that works for you. Then you can dump those adult diapers in the trash for the last time!
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/02/some-facts-about-urinary-incontinence-to-inspire-you-to-get-help http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/02/some-facts-about-urinary-incontinence-to-inspire-you-to-get-help Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:43:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/07/02/some-facts-about-urinary-incontinence-to-inspire-you-to-get-help
      You Are Not Alone
      Between 13 and 18 million women are regularly affected by UI, and one in four women over the age [...]]]>
      You Are Not Alone
      Between 13 and 18 million women are regularly affected by UI, and one in four women over the age of 18 has experienced UI. According to the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP), the number of women affected by UI will only increase as baby boomers age (and there are currently about 79 million baby boomers). At the same time, studies show that about 50% of the women suffering from UI never ask for help. Women who do ask for help wait, on average, almost seven years before doing so.
      
      You are not alone in dealing with UI or in hesitating to ask for help.
      
      Doctors Are More Aware of the UI Problem
      According to AAFP, primary care physicians are now seeing many patients complaining of UI. In fact, UI has become has now become a more prevalent issue than even diabetes or Alzheimer’s for these doctors. Urologists and ob/gyns are seeing the same rise in patients complaining of UI. As a result, UI is starting to become one of the issues to which doctors pay close attention. What does this mean for you?
      
      Don’t be surprised if your doctor asks you about UI, and don’t be afraid to raise the issue if your doctor doesn’t ask.
      
      UI is Not Normal at Any Age
      An amazing 35% of the women who have never reported their UI symptoms to a doctor have not raised the issue because they assumed that UI was a normal part of aging. We’ve got news for you: UI is not normal at any age. While many aging women do experience UI, not all aging women do. More importantly, there are many treatments available for women experiencing UI at any age.
      
      No matter your age, if you experience symptoms of UI you should get help.
      
      Don’t run around with wet panties when you don’t have to. Arm yourself with knowledge by learning more about UI on this site, or ask for help from your doctor.
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/06/25/women-with-urinary-incontinence-are-you-deaf-to-spousal-reassurance http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/06/25/women-with-urinary-incontinence-are-you-deaf-to-spousal-reassurance Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:05:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/06/25/women-with-urinary-incontinence-are-you-deaf-to-spousal-reassurance
      What is surprising is the fact that women with UI may have a great deal of difficulty overcoming the psychological and emotional impact of their condition, despite reassurances from their spouses. Riesa Gusewelle, a woman with UI, put it this way:
      
      “I felt unattractive and unappealing. It stressed my sexual relationship with my husband, even though he reassured me that everything was fine. I was depressed and always felt that I could smell urine.”
      
      Riesa is by no means unusual in feeling unattractive. In fact, some women are embarrassed to the point that they won’t share much of their symptoms or suffering with their significant other. Says one husband of a woman suffering from UI:
      
      “Even though my wife had UI for 12+ years before she got help, she didn’t let her condition have much impact on my life. I think I was the first person she told about her condition, but I’m not sure. I’ve never found her UI to be offensive but it affected our sex life anyway. I’m not sure how much her incontinence affected our sex life, but I know it had a definite effect.”
      
      Does this tell you how big a role embarrassment plays in the life of a woman with UI, despite reassurances from her spouse?
      
      Does this sound like you? If so, please don’t turn a deaf ear to the help that’s available. Learn how you can create a positive outcome for your situation by reading our “How the Story Ends” section. Here we highlight the major therapies that are helping many women successfully lessen or cure their UI symptoms.
      
      How the Story Ends
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/06/18/how-men-are-affected-by-womens-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/06/18/how-men-are-affected-by-womens-urinary-incontinence Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:34:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/06/18/how-men-are-affected-by-womens-urinary-incontinence National [...]]]> National Association for Continence, 78% of women suffering from stress urinary incontinence were fearful of smelling like urine. The same percentage worried about soiling the furniture at a friend’s house.
      
      And that’s only the public aspect of urinary incontinence. In private, women with UI deal with a very different problem: the effect of their UI on the men in their lives, specifically their spouses or lovers. UI and sex often don’t mix, and many women are afraid that their spouses or lovers will be “turned off” by urinary leakage during sex. The result? Less sex.
      
      UI and Sex: A Vicious Cycle
      According to gynecologist Amy Rosenman of the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, California, women who experience UI during intercourse feel anxious about it, which could eventually lead to sexual dysfunction, even in the most stable of marriages.
      
      Imagine this vicious cycle. A woman is afraid of leaking urine during sex but is too embarrassed to discuss it with her spouse, so she avoids sex. Her spouse, unaware of the situation, feels hurt and rejected. Relationship issues arise, and when the couple does have sex, the encounter is less than enjoyable.
      
      Or, if a woman is confident enough to discuss her UI issues with the man in her life, the result may be no better. One study, published in Social Science and Medicine, indicated that under certain conditions “having an incontinent wife put men at greater risk for depressive symptoms.” Another study shows that, among older couples, men are readily affected by their wife’s health issues, especially if the couple is close.
      
      A Personal Look
      How does a husband really feel about his wife’s UI issues? Here’s what one hubby said when asked about the subject.
      
      “My wife lost her interest in sex due to the pelvic floor problems. She suffered from urinary incontinence after each of her three pregnancies. I didn’t see her incontinence as offensive but I felt helpless to solve the problem, even though I was the first person she confided in. I know my wife was very frustrated as she could no longer exercise and lost interest in sex. She got very little help from her ob/gyn when she asked for help. I’m glad that she eventually educated herself and took matters in her own hands. She started doing Pilates and using pelvic floor weights.”
      
      What to Do?
      What should you do if you are one of the men or women described in this blog post? Get help! UI is not a terminal condition, and there is a world of help waiting for affected women. Check out our “Is This You” section to learn more about the different kinds of urinary incontinence and how you can get help.
      
      Is This You?
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/31/has-womens-healthcare-hit-the-glass-ceiling http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/31/has-womens-healthcare-hit-the-glass-ceiling Sun, 31 May 2009 19:13:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/31/has-womens-healthcare-hit-the-glass-ceiling
      For [...]]]>
      For instance, did you know that:
      
      • Medicare will pay for penile implants for our male senior citizens with sexual dysfunction (with an uncomplicated implant easily costing $30,000), but some insurance plans will not cover a woman’s oral contraceptive pills?
      • Medicare and insurance companies often cover three oral drugs to assist men with erectile dysfunction, but there are NO drugs on the market to assist women with sexual dysfunction?
      
      Here’s the real kicker: did you know that now there is a maintenance daily dose of one of those drugs for male sexual dysfunction so that men can be “ever ready”? Men as young as those in their late 20s have been seen in our clinics requesting prescriptions for these drugs. Is this really a medical necessity?
      
      The same kinds of inequalities are present throughout today’s healthcare coverage plans. For instance, the average Medicare reimbursement paid to a physician to implant a sling to alleviate male urinary incontinence is $981.90. At the same time, the average reimbursement for a sling to alleviate female urinary incontinence is only $764.13.
      
      While we can’t make the case that there is deliberate gender discrimination, per se, in the healthcare system, it does seem logical that when physicians are paid more to treat men than women, men will probably receive more medical attention.
      
      The current situation makes us scratch our heads and go, “Hmmm …” Maybe the glass ceiling applies not just to women in the corporate world, but to the level of treatment women receive in the healthcare world as well.
      
      What do you think?
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/21/taking-pride-in-weight-loss-results-in-drier-panties http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/21/taking-pride-in-weight-loss-results-in-drier-panties Thu, 21 May 2009 10:05:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/21/taking-pride-in-weight-loss-results-in-drier-panties
      PRIDE actually stands for the Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise, and is a study sponsored by the National Institute of Health.
      
      The study recruited [...]]]>
      PRIDE actually stands for the Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise, and is a study sponsored by the National Institute of Health.
      
      The study recruited 338 obese women who leaked urine at least 10 times per week. Half of the women participated in an intensive six-month weight loss program that included diet and behavior modification, along with exercise. The other half of the group were given information about weight loss but received no coaching.
      
      The women who received active coaching lost an average of 8 percent of their body weight, or about 17 pounds. As a result, they leaked only about half as much, reducing leakage incidents by 47 percent.
      
      The group of women who received only weight loss information did not fare as well. These women lost an average of only 1.8 percent of their body weight, about 3 pounds, and reduced their rate of leakage by 28 percent.
      
      The good news is that even though the women in the second group did not lose as much weight, even the small amount of lost weight contributed to fewer incidences of leakage. Losing just 3 pounds meant these women leaked one-fourth fewer times.
      
      The study goes on to report that the women in the weight-loss group were significantly more satisfied with the improvement in their incontinence than the women in the other group.
      
      A little weight loss goes a long way. Are you ready to deal with your UI symptoms? If you are overweight, shedding a few pounds may be a very effective first-line treatment for your UI. Every pound you lose is one pound less of pressure pushing down on your bladder and pelvic floor. Less pressure equals less leakage.
      
      Is it time for you to take PRIDE in weight loss and have drier panties?
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/12/how-to-find-the-right-doctor-to-treat-your-urinary-incontinence http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/12/how-to-find-the-right-doctor-to-treat-your-urinary-incontinence Tue, 12 May 2009 06:00:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/12/how-to-find-the-right-doctor-to-treat-your-urinary-incontinence
      Discussing UI is embarrassing enough, and [...]]]>
      Discussing UI is embarrassing enough, and dealing with a doctor who is insensitive or doesn’t offer the right solutions for you can make you regret asking for help. So how do you find the right doctor to treat your UI? Women who have experienced successful treatment for UI typically get recommendations from one of these sources:
      
      - Other women who have been treated for UI
      - Referrals from their family doctor
      - Advertisements or internet referral sites
      
      Word-of-Mouth Still Works Best
      No one understands the trials and tribulations of UI like another woman who has suffered the same symptoms. Ask women you trust if they have been treated for UI, and if they had a good experience from their care provider. According to the Women’s Sexual Health Foundation, asking women who have already been treated is an excellent way to find a care provider, since these women know “which doctors and other professionals have been helpful.” These same women “often know the inside scoop,” meaning they can provide a more personal view on whether the doctor showed a caring attitude, had the right knowledge, and offered useful treatments.
      
      Your Family Doctor Knows You Well
      If you don’t feel comfortable asking your women friends for referrals, check in with your family doctor. Chances are that he or she knows you pretty well. Many patients follow this route. A study by the Center for Studying Health System Change shows that seven out of ten people looking for a specialist relied on referrals from their primary care physician. One of the benefits of asking your family doctor for a referral is that he or she is likely to match you with a specialist who suits your personal treatment preferences and personality. They may also be able to refer you to a specialist who works within your health insurance plan.
      
      Find a Specialist through Advertisements or the Internet
      While it used to be taboo for doctors to advertise their services, these days it is a perfectly normal practice—and can help you find the UI specialist you need. A doctor who advertises a specialty in UI is likely to have a lot of experience treating this condition with a variety of methods.
      
      Another option is to browse internet referral sites for doctors specializing in treating UI. If you do choose to use the internet as a referral resource, experts recommend that you look through multiple referral sites for greater accuracy. Also, place more importance on objective information (“Dr. X followed up within 24 hours to review my test results.”) than on subjective comments (“Dr. X was a jerk!”).
      
      If you suffer from UI, there’s a world of help out there. All you have to do is ask. The three sources we discuss in this blog post should give you some great places to start looking for the right doctor to help you with your UI.
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/06/giggle-incontinence-is-no-laughing-matter-for-youngsters http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/06/giggle-incontinence-is-no-laughing-matter-for-youngsters Wed, 06 May 2009 23:37:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/05/06/giggle-incontinence-is-no-laughing-matter-for-youngsters
      As children, both Samantha and her sister occasionally suffered from giggle incontinence, which can range from mild urine leakage to a complete emptying of the bladder. Apparently Samantha's mother had, too. Now Amy has the same problem.
      
      What Causes Giggle Incontinence?
      Physicians have not pinpointed the exact cause of giggle incontinence, which affects about 7% of girls and 3% of boys in the U.S. Most children and young adults who suffer from this condition don't have any physical abnormalities. Research indicates that this condition may be genetically-linked and can be passed down from parents to children.
      
      It's most likely that giggle incontinence happens because laughter can cause a loss of muscle tone in the pelvic region. Another possible cause is that some people “hold" their urine too long, causing an overfull bladder. Constipation may be a further contributing cause, since straining to have a bowel movement puts pressure on the bladder. Most affected youngsters stop leaking urine by the time they hit their teens, probably because of maturation of the brain and bladder.
      
      Treatment for Giggle Incontinence
      The treatment for urinary incontinence in children and young adults is similar to that for adults. Experts suggest the following treatments:
      
      Practice Proper Voiding: Children past age 5 should void 4 to 7 times a day. Bladder training and following a voiding schedule may help reduce incontinence. In addition, teaching affected children to fully empty their bladders each time is useful.
      
      Avoid Constipation: Those affected often experience relief from giggle incontinence when they add more fiber to their diets, and experience less constipation.
      
      Use Medication: Certain drugs have been proven effective for reducing symptoms of giggle incontinence. However, parents need to take into consideration the side-effects of these medications, which include dry mouth and changes in mood, sleep, or appetite.
      
      Practice Kegels: Studies have shown that people affected by giggle incontinence can reduce leakage by doing Kegels and strengthening their pelvic floor muscles.
      
      Camouflage: Those embarrassed to go out in public because of leakage can reduce the visibility of symptoms by wearing dark clothing and using incontinence pads.
      
      Behavior modification has also been studied as a form of therapy for giggle incontinence. One study, published in a 1995 issue of the British Journal of Urology, indicated that mild shock therapy was an effective approach. Children gave themselves a very mild shock on the back of their hand when they started the laugh. The shock served as a “noxious response" to giggle incontinence. Within a year, all the children in the study showed a 90% decrease in symptoms. Strange but true.
      
      The good news is that giggle incontinence is not a “forever" condition for the majority of people affected, and parents can use the above suggestions to help their children reduce or completely eliminate symptoms.
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/04/28/urinary-incontinence-not-just-for-mature-women http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/04/28/urinary-incontinence-not-just-for-mature-women Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:58:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/04/28/urinary-incontinence-not-just-for-mature-women
      But UI isn't [...]]]>
      If you pay attention to the commercials on TV for urinary incontinence (UI) products, you might think that UI is a condition that only affects "mature" women. Whether you see a gray-haired woman promoting adult diapers or an active grandmother discussing drugs for UI, you start to get the idea that UI and aging go together.
      
      But UI isn't just a symptom of menopause or aging - it can be caused by a number of different factors, and affect women of any age. UI doesn't just happen to baby boomers, it also happens to women with babies. Childbirth can tear and stretch muscles in the pelvic floor, causing pelvic floor weakness and urinary leakage.
      
      Lifestyle factors can also cause younger women to experience UI. Younger women are at risk for UI if they are:
      
      Overweight: being overweight by even 7-10% can double the chances of UI
      
      Caffeine Drinkers: caffeine is a bladder irritant that can cause urine to leak unexpectedly
      
      Constipated: straining or bearing down on a regular basis weakens the pelvic floor muscles
      
      Involved in Competitive Sports: such as marathon running, triathlons and gymnastics
      
      Smokers: constant coughing puts pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles
      
      Ladies, don't be fooled by the commercials you see on TV. No matter what your age, if you start leaking urine unexpectedly, it is a sign that your pelvic floor muscles are not as healthy as they could be. Get help now!
      
      Learn whether you have stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, or even pelvic organ prolapse. Discover how Kegels, lifestyle modifications, and other treatment options can help with your UI symptoms. The good news is that the sooner you start treating your UI, the better your chances are of experiencing complete cure.
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/04/07/dreaming-of-dry-panties-help-is-only-a-call-or-click-away http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/04/07/dreaming-of-dry-panties-help-is-only-a-call-or-click-away Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:31:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/04/07/dreaming-of-dry-panties-help-is-only-a-call-or-click-away
      If you suffer from UI or other symptoms of pelvic floor weakness, have hope! A whole range of solutions exists to help you, ranging from conservative to aggressive, depending on your [...]]]>
      If you suffer from UI or other symptoms of pelvic floor weakness, have hope! A whole range of solutions exists to help you, ranging from conservative to aggressive, depending on your specific situation. Here are some of the solutions that are helping many women stay high and dry:
      
      
      • physical therapy
      • medication
      • diet and lifestyle changes
      • acupuncture
      • biofeedback
      • surgery
      
      Solving your pelvic floor issue may be easier than you think. Did you know that if you are overweight losing even a few pounds, as little as 5% of your body weight, can significantly improve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence? No kidding.
      
      Know that there are people out there waiting to help you. Help is literally a call or click away. Whether you decide to visit your primary doctor or seek help from a urologist, there is a perfect solution for you.
      
      In the meantime, here are a few educational resources about urinary incontinence to start you on your journey to dry panties.
      
      
      • Medline Plus on Urinary Incontinence
      • National Association for Continence
      • National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse
      
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/03/22/all-are-welcome-at-the-wetmatterscom-blog http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/03/22/all-are-welcome-at-the-wetmatterscom-blog Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:12:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/03/22/all-are-welcome-at-the-wetmatterscom-blog
      For those of you who already ready our blog, welcome back!
      
      We are excited to have this blog as a place to share stories of success and hope about women who have resolved their pelvic floor issues, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual [...]]]>
      For those of you who already ready our blog, welcome back!
      
      We are excited to have this blog as a place to share stories of success and hope about women who have resolved their pelvic floor issues, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.
      
      No woman should ever have to live with wet panties. After all, you've got a lot of living left to do, and that's hard to do with wet panties.
      
      We know about wet panties. We know that they are just one symptom of the problem. It's not just cost of buying diapers and the embarrassment of wearing them. It's not just the constant need to do laundry. It's so much more than that.
      
      Urinary incontinence and other pelvic health issues force women to live with more than wet panties - it forces them to live within a vicious cycle. Women embarrassed about their urinary incontinence stop socializing with friends, dating, and exercising. The isolation and lack of exercise causes weight gain, which tends to worsen incontinence issues. The weight gain also causes a loss of self-image and sexuality ... and more isolation.
      
      The worst part is that most women with urinary incontinence are so embarrassed about their condition that they wait, on average, seven years before seeking help. That's seven years of wet panties, isolation, hopelessness, and low self-image.
      
      If you suffer from symptoms of poor pelvic health, like urinary incontinence, we hope you don't wait seven years to get help. The good news is that resolving your symptoms is probably far easier than you think. There are many conservative and surgical measures that will radically improve your situation and often even totally resolve your symptoms.
      
      We strongly encourage you to read the section on our website titled, "Is This You?". This will help you determine what kind of pelvic health problem you may have. You will also discover that you are not alone. The part of our website called "How the Story Ends" shows you that you should never feel helpless or hopeless about your situation. Please explore, learn, and discover a new sense of hope and freedom.
      
      ]]> http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/02/02/our-mission-to-tell-you-what-is-really-going-on-down-there-with-urinary-incontinence-and-pelvic-floor-weakeness http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/02/02/our-mission-to-tell-you-what-is-really-going-on-down-there-with-urinary-incontinence-and-pelvic-floor-weakeness Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:01:00 +0000 http://wetmatters.com/blog/2009/02/02/our-mission-to-tell-you-what-is-really-going-on-down-there-with-urinary-incontinence-and-pelvic-floor-weakeness
      Our mission is simple: to educate the world about what is really going on down [...]]]>
      Our mission is simple: to educate the world about what is really going on down there!!
      
      Read the articles on this blog for more ...
      
      ]]>