How to Manage Stress Incontinence
Causes and Treatment Options for Stress Urinary Incontinence.
Apr 20, 2009
A new study by women’s health charity Wellbeing of Women and Always Envive has found that one in three women over 30 have problems with bladder sensitivity.* It’s a problem that affects all ages, not just the elderly, and can cause embarrassment and distress. However, according to Ms Suzy Elneil, Consultant Uro-gynaecologist at University College Hospital, London, more than 70% of women (young and old) of reproductive age can be helped.
What Causes Stress Incontinence?
Stress incontinence occurs when the bladder stops working properly. There are several possible causes:-
- Childbirth – the pelvic floor muscles are weakened or damaged during pregnancy and labour (studies indicate that over 30% of women have it three months after giving birth and 40% six years later)*.
- Post-menopause – lower levels of oestrogen in the body cause the urinary tract to become drier and thinner. As the muscles are less toned they can’t control the flow of urine properly.
- Pelvic surgery.
- Valve leakage at the bottom of the bladder.
- Effects on the complicated neurological system that controls the bladder.
- Constipation.
- Chronic cough.
Symptoms of Stress Incontinence
One symptom is leaking small or larger amounts of urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise or do certain activities. It may become apparent in late pregnancy when the baby is heavier and pressing down on the pelvic muscles. You may also notice that you need to go to the toilet more often, and are passing smaller amounts of urine than usual.
Getting Help
Speak to your GP or local Continence Clinic – there are over 360 Continence Clinics in the UK. Find your nearest one via the Bladder & Bowel Foundation website.
Daily Management of Stress Incontinence
There are several things you can do regularly to help prevent and minimize the problem: -
- Pelvic floor exercises – Suzy Elneil and Dr Sarah Jarvis recommend the following technique: Lie or sit down and breathe normally. Imagine that you are trying to stop the flow of urine and prevent yourself breaking wind (a ‘lift and squeeze’ motion simultaneously). Keep your buttocks and thigh muscles relaxed. Aim for 10 short sets (hold for a second and release) followed by 10 longer sets (hold for 10 seconds then release for 10 seconds). You should notice a difference if you do this for three times a day for three to four months.
- Alternative pelvic toning devices – Neen’s Aquaflex pelvic floor muscle exercise system came top in a televised test on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies healthcare advice programme. Studies** indicate that 70% of stress incontinence can be improved or cured by using the weighted vaginal cones for 20 minutes a day over 12 weeks.
- Hold your urine flow when you go to the toilet to strengthen the muscles.
- Try using specialist protection such as Always Envive pads.
- Drink plenty of water – 2-2.5 litres per day, as this can help flush out irritants in the bladder such as caffeine, which can make the urge to go more noticeable.
- Keep to a healthy body weight – excess weight puts pressure on the bladder, which can make stress incontinence worse.
- Practise relaxation and breathing techniques to help your body cope better with stressful situations, which can exacerbate the problem.
Stress incontinence is a common problem, which can be easily remedied through regular exercise, pelvic toning, and self-help techniques.
Resources
*Always Envive Sense & Sensitivity research - a funded study into the effects of childbirth on women's health: Urinary and faecal incontinence and prolapse.
** ‘Vaginal cones:, a conservative method of treating genuine stress incontinence’, A. B. Peattie, S. Plevnic, Sl.L Stanton, British Journal of Obsterics and Gynaecology, October 1998.
This article is for general information purposes only. Consult your health practitioner for specific guidance on a health issue.
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