When you are unable to hold your urine like you did when you were younger, you may have already found yourself in more than one embarrassing situation. For many stress incontinence sufferers, going without a bladder pad or absorbent disposable underwear is not an option. If you have trouble holding your urine, follow these tips for strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and lowering your urge to urinate as often.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Can Help

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that are responsible for holding in your urine when you have the urge to go. When the pelvic floor muscles become weak or no longer work, you will not be able to hold your urine. Stress urinary incontinence describes a urinary issue that causes you to urinate when you cough or sneeze, lift a heavy object, or stoop over to pick something up from the floor. You may experience urine leakage during exercise or other strenuous activity. However, performing pelvic floor muscle exercises can help to strengthen the muscle group that holds in your urine during these kinds of activities. Clenching the pelvic floor muscles, holding them for a moment, and then relaxing them can help to lower the amount of urine leakage you experience from incontinence. Taking the time to perform these simple exercises daily can work to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Some Lifestyle Changes Are in Order

Making changes to your lifestyle can help you experience fewer embarrassing moments because of urinary incontinence. If you have talked to your doctor, and urinary tract infections have been ruled out, he or she may have recommended the following changes:

  • Lower your intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda; soda has carbonated water that can cause bladder irritation.
  • Stop smoking to help stop coughing that can cause urine leakage.
  • Increase your fiber intake to reduce constipation; being constipated can increase your problems with urinary incontinence.
  • If you are overweight, losing some weight can help you lower the risk of urinary incontinence.

When Your Doctor Advises Surgical Intervention

In some cases, surgery can be the best option for your urinary incontinence. Many women have been successfully treated for stress incontinence with surgery. Anterior vaginal wall repair is a common procedure for treating urinary incontinence. This procedure works to hold the bladder in its normal position, helping you to hold your urine better.

Taking steps to control stress incontinence can help you have an easier time in social situations and in your daily routine at home. You can spend less time changing clothing and pads and more time enjoying the activities you love the most.

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