As a woman, your body goes through many changes throughout your lifetime. Some of the most significant changes happen during puberty, your childbearing years and menopause. Hormone fluctuations, changes in weight, aging and the strains of pregnancy can take a toll on your body to the point that you find yourself dealing with some upsetting symptoms.
Female incontinence is one of the most frustrating conditions that you may have to face. You may never have had problems with bladder control in the past, but find that it is a challenge now that you are approaching 50. The most important thing you need to know is you are not alone and you can do something about your condition.
Understanding Female Incontinence
Female incontinence is a condition that affects millions of women like you. It is most common as women get older, but can happen at other times. It is a loss of bladder control that can vary in how serious it is. For some women, it may be just a few drops of urine that are lost when they laugh, sneeze, cough or are physically active. For others, it may be the sudden onset of the need to urinate followed by losing a considerable amount of urine at one time.
Why Does Female Incontinence Happen?
There are many reasons why a woman may experience female incontinence. Repeated pregnancies can cause a weakening of the pelvic muscles that hold the bladder in place. As shifts take place, it can lead to difficulty with bladder control.
Aging can lead to the same problem. Hormonal shifts, especially during menopause, can cause irritation of the urethra, which leads to incontinence. Infections and irritation of the bladder can also cause female incontinence.
What Can You Do About Female Incontinence?
If you are struggling with female incontinence, there are options to help you take control of your bladder. Exercises known as Kegels can help you to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Losing weight and avoiding smoking may help you to put less strain on your bladder as well.
Medications or injections can help you to address irritation, infections and hormonal imbalances. You may need to consider surgery if there are issues with your pelvic floor muscles. You do not have to accept female incontinence. Our doctor can help you to find the best solution.
Talk to Our Doctor About Female Incontinence
Stop letting female incontinence get in the way of enjoying your life. You do not need to live with this life-altering condition. You have many alternatives that can help you to find an effective treatment. The first step begins with making an appointment with our doctor at South Lake OB/GYN in Clermont.
Our doctor will consider your health history, a physical examination and all of your concerns before moving forward with a treatment plan. Once our physician has found the root of your female incontinence, it will be possible to resolve the problem. In some cases, changes in lifestyle may be all that you need to do. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more.