Mixed incontinence –
Mixed incontinence –Women often have a combination of both stress and urge incontinence. The contributing factors can be the same or they may be completely unrelated. Therefore, treatment options need to address both forms of incontinence.
Prevention of urinary incontinence –
There are a number of steps that can help to reduce the chance of urinary incontinence occurring. They include:
- Drink between 1.5-2L of fluid every day, the majority of which should be water. An adequate fluid intake helps keep the urine diluted (less irritation to the bladder) and maintains the bladder’s ability to hold urine. Women, however, should also avoid a fluid intake that is too high as this can result in a worsening of urinary frequency and leakage.
- Maintain good bladder habits by only going to the toilet when the bladder is full. Avoid going ‘just in case’.
- Adopt a good toileting position. Women should avoid ‘hovering’ over the toilet seat, a common behaviour when using public toilets.
- Perform pelvic floor exercises regularly, especially during pregnancy, following childbirth and into menopause. In conjunction, strengthen deep abdominal muscles.
- Treat the cause of any chronic coughing or sneezing (i.e. manage asthma, hay fever).
- Hold a firm abdomen while walking and standing as this maintains pelvic floor support.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking.
Advice –
My advice is, if you have urinary incontinence that concerns you, get it checked out because in most cases, with treatment, you could be dry…