Reminders for Your Bladder Health

Bladder Incontinence is a common condition that affects many individuals1. Understanding the facts and available treatments can empower you to take control of your health. As a board-certified urogynecologist who has treated thousands of women struggling with incontinence, here are some reminders for people struggling with bladder incontinence issues:

1. Bladder Incontinence is More Common Than You Think – Bladder incontinence affects millions of people. 1 in 6 adults have Overactive Bladder (OAB)¹, and 1 in 3 women experience Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)². If you suffer from any of these conditions, remember – you are not alone.
2. Incontinence is a Part of Life, But It Doesn’t Have to Be – As people get older, their risk of experiencing urinary incontinence tends to increase. This happens because the muscles surrounding the bladder can gradually become weaker with age. The link between growing older and urinary incontinence leads many people to believe that incontinence is a normal and inevitable part of aging. However, this is not the case. Urinary incontinence does not have to be accepted as a normal part of life and can, in fact, be treated successfully – more on that later in this article.
3. Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference – Lifestyle changes are often the first step in managing incontinence. Adjusting your daily habits can have a significant impact on symptoms. Here are some lifestyle changes to consider:
   • Maintain a bladder diary – Keep a detailed record of fluid intake, urination patterns and leakages. This can help identify any triggers and guide your treatment plan.
   • Practice bladder training – Techniques like delaying urination, double voiding, and scheduled restroom visits can help retrain your bladder and increase the time between bathroom visits.