Bladder Envy





When I was still in my 40's, I was on vacation with my daughter and a friend who was in her 50's.  We stopped to fill up the car, stretch our legs, and take a bathroom break.  My friend said, "Who is that?  Oh!  Of course...it's always the young one.  Those young bladders just keep going and going."  She went on and on while the two of us were laughing at her silliness.  I had no idea what she was talking about.  A bladder is a bladder is a bladder, after all.  That's what I thought at the time.  Now I know what she means.  Anytime I'm in the bathroom these days I can tell the approximate age of the person in the next stall just by the amount of her "waterfall".  Sigh...a full bladder just doesn't hold what it used to.



photo by: http://mrg.bz/sMgvRA

You are not alone if you are suffering from incontence.  Urology Care Foundation estimates that a 1/4 to 1/3 of  Americans have incontinence issues.  The most common  types are stress incontience (a cough, laugh, sneeze, or heavy lifting causes leakage) and urinary incontinence (sudden need to go).  I have had three female friends who developed this problem after having a hysterectomy due to uterine prolapse.  Because of the close proximity of the uterus to the bladder, all three had to have additional surgery or a procedure to pull up the bladder.  Ask your doctor if you should have both done at the same time to prevent problems.  My friends certainly wish they had.

According to the Mayo Clinic, urinary incontinence is a symptom of other problems rather than a disease.  Some causes are easily treatable.  It's possible just a change of what you eat (citrus fruit, spicy foods...) or  drink (caffiene, alcohol...) will make a difference.  You won't necessarily have to give up what you love; just change when you have them or the amount.  Unfortunately, because of embarrassment, it is not uncommon to wait six years before seeking medical help.  Don't suffer or worry needlessly...visit your urologist today.

Stress incontinence can be caused by many factors and you can take preventative measures.  Excessive weight, child-bearing, lack of exercise, diet, and even smoking can all contribute.  Some future incontinence problems can be prevented by losing weight, doing Kegel exercises, excercise, changing your diet, and quitting smoking.  Don't stay home because you're worried about where the nearest bathroom is!  Get busy, get healthy, enjoy life!