Dr. Jessica Shepherd is a gynecologist and the founder of Her Viewpoint, an online women’s health forum. She is also seen regularly as an expert on Dr. Oz and CBS News. She contributes to several leading publications including Women’s Day, Women’s Health, Essence and Just Parenting and for several blogs including MadameNoire, Cafe Mom, She Knows and Lux and Concord. As a health care expert, she strives to educate women on their bodies and as a national speaker, her mission is to empower women and to promote awareness on our health
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) impacts 35 million women. Women do not openly talk about the issue because of the stigma often associated with bladder leakage. However, SUI affects women of all ages and, up until this point, there are options to help treat it ranging from surgery to use of a pad/liner to absorb leaks. Also there has been another change in the management of SUI with a new product, Poise Impressa Bladder Supports, the first over-the-counter internal product. It helps prevent leaks before they happen.
Women do not need to feel isolated, but should instead be empowered to educate themselves on their options.
Dr. Shepherd answers all your embarrassing bladder questions on Page 2.
Hi, Doctor….I’m a 55 yr old man. Is it normal for me to go frequently to the restroom when I consume a lot of fluids?
Increase in fluids will increase how often you go. One way to decrease urinary frequency is to limit how much you consume. Water is the best way to hydrate however, other drinks such as caffeinated drinks (pop, coffee, iced tea etc) will increase urination
What are the signs of a prolapsed bladder?
A prolapsed bladder that is severe can be seen in women protruding from the vaginal opening. Some signs are also not being able to empty the bladder completely after urinating.
Good morning, guys. How long does a women go through menopause?
Menopause is defined as when a woman stops menstruating for 12 months continuously. She may have mild to severe symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats and irritability for up to 12 years after menopause, but it can be less.
Are there any new over-the-counter products or exercises you would recommend for men?
Men can benefit from pelvic floor exercises as well. The pelvic floor muscles relax to allow urination and tighten to stop the stream of urine. Contraction of the pelvic floor muscles closes the lower urethra, squeezing any remaining urine back up into the bladder. Pelvic floor muscle exercises will help restore muscle function and lessen the symptoms of incontinence. It can be done by gently pull the pelvic floor up and in towards your navel as if trying to protect yourself from a blow to the belly.
Does the time we wait to go to the bathroom cause urinary incontinence?
Constant waiting to go to the bathroom can have an effect on the bladder and how well it can hold urine. Causes of urinary incontinence include;
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Menopause
- Chronic constipation
- Medications
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Obesity
What is you have a small urethra and it causes you to feel like you always have to go?
A small urethra may be from a shorter length of the urethra and may cause increased infections and also spasms of the bladder, which makes a person feel that they always have to go.
What drinks make you go to the bathroom more?
Caffeine, soda pop, chocolate, carbonated drinks, alcohol.
When you get older, does your frequency increase?
With age, especially after menopause, the muscles start to get weaker and there is also thinning of the lining of the urethra, the short tube that passes urine from the bladder out of the body. Pelvic muscles also weaken with aging, and vaginal childbirth increases the risk of urinary incontinence.
Doc, I’m 58 and when I feel like it’s time to go – I have to run to the bathroom immediately to prevent an accident. Is there a cure or a way to reduce this immediate feeling?
Hello, good question. That type of incontinence is called urge incontinence or “overactive bladder.” In this type of incontinence, there are overly active or irritated bladder muscles. The most common ways to help treat this is by a change in behavioral techniques such as bladder training, which is to delay urination after you get the urge to go.
You may start by trying to hold off for 10 minutes every time you feel an urge to urinate. The goal is to lengthen the time between trips to the toilet until you’re urinating only every two to four hours.
Another way is to try “double voiding” which means urinating, then waiting a few minutes and trying again. Also try scheduled toilet trips, to urinate every two to four hours rather than waiting for the need to go.
And lastly, using fluid and diet management is a very good way to have control of your bladder. Try to reduce liquid consumption, losing weight or increasing physical activity also can ease the problem.
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