Sneeze with Confidence, Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor

There are several types of incontinence. Leakage that occurs with coughing, laughing, sneezing, or activity is known as stress incontinence. Urge incontinence is a frequent strong urge to urinate and leakage happens before getting to the bathroom. Overflow incontinence is frequent dribbling of urine because your bladder doesn't empty completely. Functional incontinence happens when something prevents you from making it to the toilet in time. For example, you may have arthritis and cannot unbutton your pants quickly. Some women may have more than one type of UI.

"I should be able to 'hold it'" - You are not alone

Up to 20 percent of women Veterans experience urinary incontinence, but many women delay or resist seeking treatment because they are embarrassed. Urinary Incontinence can be caused by medications, infections, pregnancy, illnesses, weak pelvic muscles, obesity, or simply drinking too much liquid.

There is help for urinary incontinence

Again, this is common, and often simple lifestyle changes can help. Here are some steps to try:

• Avoid drinking a lot before sleeping or at night
• Limit the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink
• Empty your bladder every 3-4 hours when you are awake and every 4-8 when you are sleeping
• Avoid emptying your bladder "just in case"
• Try exercises* to strengthen your pelvic muscles—check with your primary care provider to get instructions

What if those don't work to help my urinary incontinence?

There is help available in the Sheridan VA Health Care System. Your first step is to discuss your UI with your primary care provider. Your provider will talk with you and may suggest some tests to find the cause of your leakage, and then will help find the best treatment for you.