Originally posted by the Live Confidently team on LiveConfidently.com

Bladder leakage is often a slow development that we sometimes don’t notice until it becomes a serious hindrance to our daily routine.  Because of this slow onset, it can be difficult to tell if there were any changes in your diet or behavior that could have caused—and still be contributing to—your incontinence issues.

In order to determine the cause of your bladder leakage, it is valuable to keep an incontinence journal for at least 5-7 consecutive days. An incontinence journal can help you and your doctor pinpoint any dietary habits or behavior patterns that could be contributing to your bladder leakage, and is the first step in finding the right solution for your individual needs.

Below are the things you should include in your journal entries. Remember, it’s important to stay consistent and keep an accurate record of your fluid intake and leakage amount. It can be helpful to use a small notepad that can easily be transported and stowed. We’ve also included an Incontinence Journal Page (PDF) that you can print and use to record your bladder leakage.

We recommend filling out this journal page and reviewing it at your next appointment with your physician. It is also recommended to bring a list of your current medications to review with your physician.

What to Record

• Date and Time: It’s best to take note of every time you feel the urge to go and whenever you have a leak. Again, in order to get an accurate picture, try to log 5-7 days of journal entries.
• Fluid Intake (oz.): What was the last thing you had to drink right before urinating? How much did you have? (8 oz. juice, 12 oz. soda, etc.)
• Amount of Urine (oz.): For the most accurate recording, place an external urine collection device under your toilet seat. You can also use a disposable cup that can be rinsed and placed near your toilet until you have completed your incontinence journal.
• Leakage Amount: If leakage occurred, indicate whether you were damp or soaked after the incident.
• Activity During Leak: What were you doing right before you had a leak? Were you laughing or coughing? Try to be as detailed as possible.
• Urge? (Yes or No):  Did you feel the urge to go before the bladder leakage occurred?

Have some tips to add? Head over to our incontinence forum to discuss this topic with people just like you!

Originally posted by the Live Confidently team on LiveConfidently.com

Our lives are often affected by uncontrollable ailments that can have uncomfortable side effects. Urge incontinence, often times referred to as Overactive Bladder (OAB), is the strong, sudden need to urinate due to bladder spasms or contractions. This condition’s unpredictable nature can leave many feeling embarrassed and helpless, but there are steps you can take to ensure your comfort and wellbeing. Understanding the signs and causes of urge incontinence can be the key to controlling your symptoms and gaining your confidence back.

Do I Have Urge Incontinence?

Urge incontinence is the sudden loss of urine that usually occurs after a strong, sudden urge to use the bathroom. If this describes your symptoms, it can help to keep an incontinence journal and talk with a healthcare provider about what you’ve observed.

What Causes Urge Incontinence?

It’s important to note that urge incontinence is not considered a disease, but an indication of an underlying problem. Common causes of urge incontinence include:

• Enlarged prostate
• Urinary tract infections
• Spinal cord injuries or stroke
• Parkinsonism

If you’re experiencing overactive bladder, it’s always best to check with your doctor to make sure the rest of your health is in check. Getting to the root cause is key in ensuring a long, healthy life.

How Is Urge Incontinence Treated?

There are a variety of ways to treat urge incontinence, and sometimes the best method is a combination of many different treatments. Approaches for at-home treatments include scheduling regular visits to the bathroom, keeping a bladder and bowel diary, and practicing relaxation techniques. You should also implement Kegel exercises, or pelvic floor exercises, into your daily routine. These will help to strengthen the muscles that support your bladder and provide control over urination. If these at-home methods do not work, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery and medication options.

Of course, the best thing you can do is make sure you’re protected before you experience bladder leakage. Fortunately, incontinence products have never been better and more suited for people affected with urge incontinence. To find products in your area, check out our product retailer locator for a full list of stores and websites that sell incontinence protection products.

Have you, or has someone you’ve known, experienced urge incontinence? If so, head over to our urge incontinence forum post to discuss this topic with people just like you!

Original post by Dr. Mary H. Palmer for LiveConfidently.com

Many adults who struggle with urinary incontinence or light bladder leakage live with it in silence. They believe that it is due to age, is just part of being a woman, or that there is nothing that can be done about it. These misconceptions and myths about urinary incontinence may prevent people from seeking help from healthcare providers or receiving effective treatment. Here we outline some of the most common myths about urinary incontinence and explain the real facts.

Myth: Incontinence is just a part of growing old.

A recent patient who we’ll call Mrs. C is a perfect example. She is 63 years old, works full-time, and enjoys playing with her grandchildren. Recently, she picked up her youngest grandchild and as she leaned over, a small amount of urine leaked. It wasn’t enough to soak through her pants or for others to know, but she felt it happen and was embarrassed. When she told me this story, Mrs. C said, “Well, I am getting old!” She gave an embarrassed laugh and said she would soon need “diapers.”

Although it is a fact that the prevalence of urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, it is also true that aging is not necessarily the cause of incontinence. As we age, it becomes more likely for other conditions to develop that can cause urinary incontinence. For example, many people develop diabetes as they grow older, and diabetes is a significant risk factor for incontinence because it causes damage to the nerves that control the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Arthritis, obesity, and many other conditions that affect our musculoskeletal system can all lead to problems with bladder leakage. Women who have weak pelvic floor muscles may experience stress incontinence when they cough, laugh, or sneeze. However, by practicing some simple exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, women of any age can regain urine control.

Myth: Only women develop urinary incontinence.

Incontinence isn’t always a woman’s problem. Men can also develop a number of conditions that lead to bladder leakage. Common causes include prostate surgery and medications with urologic side effects.

In fact, both genders can develop a number of diseases that cause problems in the lower urinary tract. Conditions that decrease mobility can make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time. Damaged nerves can make it difficult for the body to communicate the need to go, and neurologic problems can sometimes make it difficult to remember the need to use the restroom.

Myth: Older adults with dementia don’t mind being incontinent.

Another troubling myth about urinary incontinence is that older adults with dementia don’t mind being wet. In my experience – and research has borne this out – men and women, regardless of having dementia, often have feelings of deep shame and embarrassment about being incontinent. The importance of having bladder control is ingrained in all of us as children, and it remains in our long-term memory. Helping older adults prevent incontinent episodes and maintain dignity is of paramount importance to the quality of their lives. The good news is that there are effective medical treatment options for urinary incontinence, regardless of age and health conditions.

Myth: Nothing can be done to help urinary incontinence.

There are steps we can take on our own to maintain healthy bladders. Staying physically active, remaining hydrated, maintaining normal weight, and being aware of bathroom locations can all help avoid incontinence episodes. Bladder control pads for women and male guards for men are good options for extra peace of mind.

Myths about urinary incontinence keep many people from seeking help. Myths are only dispelled with accurate facts about urinary incontinence and normal body functions. Talk to your healthcare provider – there are safe and effective treatments for urinary incontinence, as well as many over-the-counter products to help keep you dry. It’s never too late treat urinary incontinence.

Have any tips or questions for the community? Join the conversation about myths about urinary incontinence on our living with incontinence forum.

Original article can be found at LiveConfidently.com.