Bladder Control

People may experience urinary incontinence especially as they grow older. Incontinence can be caused when muscles used to control the bladder weaken due to childbirth or prostate surgery.  Neurological complications caused by injury or stroke, or neurologic diseases (like multiple sclerosis) can also weaken bladder control. So can diabetes. 

But the most common cause of urinary incontinence in the older population is what doctors call urge incontinence or bladder instability: Frequent, involuntary bladder contractions release small amounts of urine.

If urinary incontinence is a problem for you, see a urologist, a doctor who specializes in problems and diseases of the urinary system.

To help manage urinary incontinence:

• Empty your bladder at least every 2 hours.
• Avoid highly spiced foods, which irritate the bladder.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol at least 4 hours before bedtime.
• Practice Kegel exercises to improve bladder control: Squeeze the pelvic muscles for 3 seconds, then relax them for 3 seconds. Do this 10 times, three times a day.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com