Stress and Urge Incontinence: Which Do I Have?
Millions of Americans struggle with urinary incontinence. This bladder problem can have more than one cause. Stress and urge incontinence are common types, but how do you know which one you have?
Tips for Managing Incontinence Over the Holidays
Urinary Incontinence, the inability to control the urinary bladder, is a condition that affects many different people but is especially common among pregnant women and older people. About 13 million people nationwide have been diagnosed with incontinence, and it can come from a wide range of causes. For people dealing with this awkward condition over the holidays, there are ways to manage urinary incontinence and still enjoy time with loved ones.
Residents of the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Greater South Florida areas dealing with incontinence can rely on the years of expertise and experience of Drs. Craig Herman, Steven Kester and the capable staff of the Urology Center of Florida.
Understanding urinary incontinence
The lack of bladder control that comes with urinary incontinence can be mild or severe depending on the type of incontinence and the cause of the condition. There are generally 5 types of incontinence:
- Stress: coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects trigger pressure on the bladder
- Urge: overwhelming immediate need to relieve the bladder, sometimes with involuntary urinating
- Overflow: an improperly emptying bladder causes constant dribbling
- Functional: the inability to make it to the restroom in time due to a mental or physical condition.
- Mixed: a combination of different types
Several causes can lead to urinary incontinence including constipation, urinary tract infection, several foods, and pregnancy.
Managing holiday travel with incontinence
Here are some ways to make this holiday easier on this condition:
Plan ahead
Try as much as possible to be ready for the trip ahead and if necessary, coordinate with a specialist. Any medications or advice about dealing with holiday events should be gathered in advance. In case of long distance travel, mark bathroom locations on the route in case of emergencies and for plane or train travel stay close to restrooms.
Watch your eating and drinking
Some forms of incontinence can be caused by various foods and drinks. Things like caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, carbonated drinks, sparkling water, artificial sweeteners, chili peppers, citrus fruits and some medications can all contribute to bladder issues. Stay aware of trigger foods and adjust meals accordingly. If possible, bring foods for everyone to enjoy that don’t trigger the incontinence.
Stay hydrated
As crazy as it sounds, keeping a regular supply of water can help with bladder issues. When traveling, not drinking enough can lead to bladder irritation which can actually trigger incontinence. Be careful not to drink too much, but hydration is important for health on many levels including bladder control.
Reduce stress
Any number of things during the trip and at a gathering can cause people to stress out, and when dealing with bladder issues this can be problematic. Getting the right gift can be stressful as well as the trip itself and holidays in general cause their own form of stress. Avoid stressful situations whenever possible and when necessary, take some time away from the crowd to relax.
Know when to say no
It’s understandable to want to attend gatherings but if it’s not possible or too much stress to do, saying no is the right thing to do. Choose the holiday events you can manage and set time to enjoy the festivities, but not at the expense of overcommitting to situations that may only make conditions worse.
If you’re thinking about traveling and you need to manage issues with urinary incontinence, make an appointment with Drs. Herman, Kester and the staff at the Urology Center of Florida.
You Might Also Enjoy...
5 Signs You May Have BPH
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is the shortened term for an enlarged prostate, an illness that becomes a greater risk for men as they age. It’s a manageable problem, but it means knowing the signs to look for and getting help as soon as possible.
Yes, Men Can Get Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormones are vital for your health, as they send signals that help regulate essential functions throughout your body. Imbalances in the levels of these chemicals can lead to problems in men that may require hormone replacement therapy.
Why Do My PSA Levels Keep Climbing?
As you get older, the chances of prostate problems increase, and when that happens, you should undergo tests to measure your PSA levels. If these levels are on the rise, you’ll need to know what they mean and how that affects your health.
Can Dehydration Cause Blood in My Urine?
We rely heavily on water: It makes up a large part of our overall volume, and we need to drink it regularly to stay alive. Dehydration can affect us in many ways, but can it cause hematuria, or blood in your urine? Read on to find out.
Am I Too Young to Have ED?
Millions of men struggle with erectile dysfunction, and, while it is more common as you get older, some factors can cause it to happen at a younger age than you might expect. Read on to find out more.