Christmas is a time for socialising and indulging in those festive treats that make this time of year so much fun. If you suffer with urinary stress incontinence, however, your condition may be preventing you from completely relaxing and enjoying the festivities to their fullest. Fortunately, there is help available for female urinary stress incontinence, which means you may be able to enjoy a Christmas free from the worry and distress this condition can cause.
What is urinary stress incontinence?
Urinary stress incontinence is the involuntary leaking of urine, which is caused when the bladder sphincter gives way from only a small amount of pressure. In a practical sense, this can occur in the most innocuous circumstances, including during a sneeze, while coughing or simply when standing up. If your condition is particularly serious, leakage may occur when you’re completely motionless. This relatively common condition is usually caused by the weakening of the pelvic muscles – which can happen during the menopause or after giving birth.
Asking for help
Suffering from urinary stress incontinence at Christmas can severely curtail your enjoyment of what should be an exciting time of year. Although there are some excellent absorption products on the market, the worry and stress the condition causes can leave you feeling self-conscious. By asking for help from one of the UK’s leading maternity hospitals at the earliest opportunity, you can at least know that a solution to your condition isn’t too far away.
During an initial assessment, you will be required to submit a urine sample, which will be tested for various forms of bacteria. It’s a good idea to keep a diary of any accidents or issues you have, as this will be very useful in making a diagnosis during your assessment. A catheter may be used to take pressure measurements when you’re passing urine, and a series of X-rays and an ultrasound may also be used to identify the root cause of your condition. If the results of these tests are inconclusive, you may be asked to undergo a Cystoscopy, which involves the insertion of a tiny camera into your bladder.
How is female urinary stress incontinence treated?
There are some natural remedies for urinary stress incontinence that may work for you – depending on the severity and the root cause of your problem. For instance, if you have been diagnosed with an over-active bladder, you may be advised to reduce your caffeine intake and modify your drinking habits. If you’re considered as obese, weight loss may be the best course of action. However, the most effective way of tackling this type of incontinence is usually through a regime of pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Pelvic floor exercises
In order to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles over time, you should tighten them as though you’re trying to stop the flow of urine. Hold for a few seconds, and then relax. Repeat this exercise at every opportunity – whether you’re watching TV or lying in bed. You may start to notice a significant improvement after only a few weeks.
If your incontinence is particularly severe, you may be given weighted vaginal cones, which will help you to continually train your pelvic floor muscles as you go about your daily routines. However, it’s important to make these exercises part of your life – in order to stop the condition from returning at a later date.
Medication
If pelvic floor exercises aren’t working for you, there is a chance that your doctor will prescribe a drug called duloxetine – which is the only licensed medication for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence in the UK. In some rare cases, collagen injections may be recommended, which are administered around the neck of the bladder. If underlying conditions make surgery too risky, you may be given the option of this procedure.
Simply ways to alleviate the symptoms yourself
Whilst seeking professional advice is always recommended if you’re suffering with any form of incontinence, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate your symptoms.
- Consume lots of fibre in order to reduce the chances of developing constipation
- Drink plenty of water
- Reduce your caffeine consumption
- Avoid alcohol – which is often difficult at Christmas
- Take regular exercise
- Avoid heavy lifting and sudden movements
- Avoid drinking fluids within three hours of going to bed
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and absorption pads
Being in a constant state of stress and anxiety can ruin your Christmas. Incontinence can strike at any time, and without warning. This means sufferers find it very difficult to switch off, relax and enjoy life. By seeking expert advice from one of the UK’s leading maternity hospitals, and making some subtle lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy a stress-free festive season with your friends and family this year.
