Most of the time, we encounter people who claim that they do not want to go out, join parties, attend meetings, or go on a long trip because there are no comfort rooms along the way. Even if there are comfort rooms on the way to their destinations, they think twice because they do not want to be put in a very embarrassing situation. They are also afraid to sneeze, cough, laugh, and join aerobic exercises, or any sports activities because of uncontrollable leaky bladders. It affects not only their social lives but also their health, both emotionally and psychologically.

Leaky bladder or urinary incontinence is more common among women than men. The incidence is not well documented because most women will not readily admit that they are suffering from such disorder. In fact only one out of 20 sufferers will admit their problems. If they can hide it by using adult diapers or panty liners, they will do it to keep the “well guarded secret.” It is only known during thorough physical examinations and the conduct of selected diagnostic screening.

There are various interventions to manage the problem just as there are many ways to “skin the cat,” however, significant cure or recovery will depend on how early one seeks medical assistance. Incontinence is not a disease but a symptom. It can indicate several serious conditions such as bladder tumor or even side effects of certain pharmacological drugs. Your family doctor will make a thorough evaluation including laboratory tests to rule out serious conditions.

Stress incontinence occurs when there is leakage or spilling over of small amounts of urine when one coughs, sneezes, laughs, and carries or lifts heavy objects. It can occur after the muscles of the pelvic floor and vagina have weakened after child birth, old age, menopause, and excessive weight. Urgency incontinence occurs when there is an urgent need to urinate and inability to get to the comfort room on time. This can be due to various disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (condition with hardening of tissue resulting from any of various causes such as inflammation, damaged connective tissues, or the deposit of mineral salts), and Alzheimer’s disease.

There is also the condition where there is an overflow or spilling-over of small amounts of urine when the bladder is full. One may not feel the need to urinate so the bladder just overflows or leaks. This is the result of either a urinary blockage or nerve damage such as spinal cord injury.

Studies have shown that women who smoke or have smoked at one point in their lives are at greater risk for incontinence than those who have not smoked. Smokers undergo the experience of excessive coughing which usually put too much pressure or stress to the bladder which result to leaking of urine. Tobacco smoke affects the bladder and the small tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder or urethra. In men, urethra also serves as the passage for the semen. It also affects diseases associated with smoking such as asthma and cardiovascular diseases.

It is only when the cause of the symptom is known that medical intervention is started. Your family doctor can treat you the conventional way and give you the needed advice such as diet modification or some form of exercises. Acupuncture can be used as an alternative mode or in addition to the treatment. It’s safe and effective.

A simple exercise can be done to strengthen the pelvic muscles, the pelvic diaphragm, and pubic area. It is usually done after delivery. It involves the muscular squeezing action needed to stop urine flowing while urinating. It is contracting the muscles of the vaginal opening to hold in the urine for six to 10 seconds, then allow the muscles to relax completely. Repeat the exercise four to five times in a series of three to fourtimes a day. This is called Kegel exercise or pubococcygeus exercise.

Another simple exercise is to start and stop urine flow about five times while in the comfort room. Avoid doing the exercise if you have been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection or UTI because it will cause you pain and discomfort.

Training your bladder by going to the restroom on a regular schedule like every hour and do not wait until you feel the urge to void. There are also food such as alcoholic beverages, caffeinated soft drinks, coffee, highly spiced foods, artificial sweeteners, and citrus fruits that cause bladder control problems. Try to avoid said foods one at a time for a few days to see if your bladder control improves. Aside from that, add high fiber rich foods to your diet such as vegetables, cereals, peas, lentils, fruits like apple, and pears.

Next issue: Urinary retention.