Gynecology » Healthy Women » Incontinence Mammography Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Abnormal Pap Smear Breast Self Examination Depression Endometriosis Exercise Fibriods Hormone Replacement Therapy Incontinence Osteoporosis Menopause Perimenopause Premenstrual Syndrome Bone Density Testing Sexually Transmitted Diseases AIDS Domestic Violence Smoking Cessation   » go to Healthy Teens Many women have the problem of leaking small amounts of urine during some time in their lives. This problem can occur with simple activities such as coughing, laughing or sneezing. Some women will leak urine when they feel the urge to urinate. When the leakage of urine begins to affect your activities of daily living then you should consider discussing your options with your gynecologist. Often women are embarrassed to discuss this important issue with their health care provider. SYMPTOMS OF URINARY INCONTINENCE Urgency- a desire to urinate even when bladder is not full Frequency- urinating more than every 2 hours Nocturia- urinate 2 or more times in the middle of the night Dysuria- painful urination Enuresis- wetting while asleep TYPES OF INCONTINENCE Urge- overactive muscle wall of bladder Stress- pressure inside of bladder > pressure in urethra Overflow- bladder fails to empty fully during urination CAUSES OF INCONTINENCE Urinary tract infections Pelvic support problems (usually caused by childbirth and aging) Urinary tract abnormalities (fistulas, abnormal openings b/t the urinary tract and the vagina) TREATMENT Bladder retraining Medications that control bladder spasms Kegel exercises- these exercises are done by squeezing your pelvic muscles for 10 seconds, 10 to 20 times in a row, 2 to 3 times per day. After performing Kegel exercises for six weeks, your ability to hold urine should improve Pessary- a device that supports the pelvic muscles especially if surgery is not an option Surgical treatment- surgically lifting pelvic muscles to aid in support. If you may be a candidate for surgical treatment you must make some lifestyle changes before considering this option: Stop smoking Get treatment for lung disease Lose weight Avoid constipation Avoid any further heavy lifting

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