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!