Incontinence in women is far more common than that experienced by men for a number of reasons. However it should never be viewed as a natural part of the aging or birth process as it can be corrected fairly easily in most cases.
Without question, pregnancy and childbirth are the two most common causes of this condition in women. Pregnant women commonly experience some incontinence during the pregnancy and particularly during the third trimester. As the baby grows it puts pressure not only on the bladder but it stretches the supporting muscles located in the pelvic floor.
Normally this form of the condition corrects itself after birth is given simply because the cause of the pressure is no longer present. But pregnancy and childbirth can have long term affects on a woman's continence health. The lower pelvic muscles can be torn or weakened which may result in incontinency occurring later in life.
Other common causes of the condition include obesity, consumption of caffeine and alcohol, eating spicy foods that irritate the bladder, infections of the urinary tract, nervous disorders and bladder stones. Incontinence by itself is not a disease but a symptom of some underlying condition and that's why it is essential that women visit their doctor to get a full diagnosis.
Once the type of incontinence is determined and once the causes have been identified, your doctor can start you on therapies that range from diet and exercise, to lifestyle changes to medication and in severe cases even surgery.
One of the simplest and most effective treatments is a regimen of Kegel exercises. These isometric exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor thereby strengthening the support to the bladder and minimizing exposure to outside stresses. These exercise are easy to do and do not require any special equipment or space.
Incontinence in women does not mean that they have to live with the chance of embarrassing accidents. See your doctor today and get started back to a healthier you.