Urinary incontinence, is a common condition that affects a large portion of the adult population in the US. However, it is more common in women than men, with approximately 40%– 50% of women between the ages of 35 and 75 experiencing bladder leaks at some time throughout the years.
Many women believe that urinary incontinence symptoms are a natural part of aging. However, the truth is that they can occur in younger people as well and can be caused by several factors, including muscle imbalances, pregnancy, and menopause.
To answer the question what could be causing your bladder to leak there is some background information that would be helpful to know.
What Is Urinary Incontinence
Simply put, urinary incontinence happens when you lose control over your bladder, with subsequent bladder leaks. There are different types of urinary incontinence (UI), each with its triggers and symptoms.
The three main types of (UI) are:
- stress incontinence
- urge incontinence
- overflow incontinence
The severity and treatment options typically vary for each type.
What Are Some Possible Causes of Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence can be caused by several reasons, more commonly by the nerves and muscles connected to the bladder. These nerves can begin to send irregular signals, resulting in coordination problems with the pelvic muscles. These same muscles may weaken over time, resulting in urinary incontinence.
Why is Urinary Incontinence more common in Women?
Urinary incontinence is more common in women than men for several reasons. The tube that extends from the bladder to the outside (from which urine is expelled) is called the urethra. Women have a shorter urethra than their male counterparts making it more prone to damage and infection.
In addition, women’s bodies go through several changes during pregnancies, childbirth, perimenopause, and menopause. These life events can also cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken or sustain damage over time.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options
Many believe that urinary incontinence isn’t a health concern but just a natural part of aging. This belief prevents them from seeking the program needed to stop their bladder leaks. There are also many that believe that urinary incontinence can only be treated with surgery.
These are both just myths, and it is important to understand that urinary incontinence can happen to you at any age, and it is possible to treat it without surgery as well.
Because there are different types of incontinence, each with its own causes and symptoms, it’s important to reach out to experts who can help you find the best course of action that will work for you.
There are several options for help. Urologists, Urogynecologists, and Pelvic Specialists such as Physical Therapists and Coaches can give you treatment options or guidance on the best path for you.
If you need more information, visit www.thepelviccoach.com/free for a class on bladder leaks.
Dr. Shelia Craig Whiteman
The Pelvic Coach
Dr. Shelia Craig Whiteman DPT, CLT is a doctor of physical therapy and a health coach. While practicing physical therapy, she specialized in pelvic health, lymphedema, and oncology. As a health coach, Dr. Shelia is particularly passionate about helping women to reduce and stop bladder leaks.
She is the best-selling author of “To Pee or Not To Pee?” The Guide for Reducing and Eliminating Urinary Incontinence. Her second book, Stop Worrying About Bladder Leaks, further explains how and why bladder leaks can happen. As an advocate for health and wellness, she participates in several educational presentations and volunteer activities in her community.
Dr. Shelia is a certified fitness instructor and has taught fitness and pilates classes over the past 20 years. She lives with her family in Mitchellville, Maryland.
Watch Dr. Shelia’s video on Bladder Leaks here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdugElo7gS4