Bladder weakness, also known as urinary incontinence, is a problem that affects millions of people every day. It is a fairly common problem, especially as people age. Enlarged prostates in older males and a decrease in estrogen in women can both lead to bladder control problems. It is estimated that as many as one out of every three women over 40 who have had children suffer from some level of bladder weakness. Women who have recently given birth may also have a problem with urinary incontinence.
One of the main causes of bladder weakness is weak pelvic floor muscles. Kegels, a simple exercise that can be performed anywhere, are one of the best ways to treat this condition. The best time to learn how to do Kegels is while urinating. Stop your urine mid-stream, concentrating on the clenched feeling and the muscles involved. Later, you can do this same move to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by squeezing and holding the muscles for extended periods of time, and then in short bursts.
There are many medical options for treating bladder weakness. Medications work to suppress untimely bladder contractions before the bladder is full. For some women, taking estrogen can help to increase bladder control. There are also bladder medications that help to strengthen pelvic muscles. Another medical option is surgery, although this is only used in more serious cases of bladder weakness.
There are several non-medical options for treating bladder control options. There are many homeopathic methods that have proved to be effective. Yoga and meditation can improve your ability to keep you in tune with your body, allowing you to have a better sense of what your bladder is doing. Some people have also found acupuncture to be beneficial for treating bladder weakness. Biofeedback, or the use of instruments to learn how to better respond to your body, is another option. This can be used to help teach patients the correct method of practicing Kegels.
If you think that you or a loved one may have a problem with bladder weakness, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluations. There are many treatment options available for urinary continence that can be explored, from medical interventions to exercise and dietary changes and the use of homeopathic treatments. By working closely with a certified physician, it is possible to develop a treatment course that will best fit the individual needs of each patient.