November Is Bladder Health Month! Learn About Incontinence Care

November is Bladder Health Month, and USMD Hospital at Arlington is celebrating by educating patients about bladder health. While the bladder is often an overlooked organ, it plays an important role in our overall well-being.

Bladder problems can affect people of all ages and genders, and they have a significant impact on your daily life. If you are in the DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) area and need assistance with urine or bladder control, our doctors can help. In this guide, we'll offer insights on incontinence care and share some valuable tips for managing symptoms. See our physician directory to connect with a surgeon today.

What is incontinence?

Urinary incontinence impacts millions of people around the world. It's a common condition affecting men and women and ranges from occasional leaking to full loss of bladder control. There are different types of incontinence, including:

• Stress incontinence: Leakage happens when there is too much pressure on the bladder. It may occur when coughing or sneezing.
• Urge incontinence: You may feel a sudden and intense urge to urinate at first. This is followed by the involuntary loss of urine. Urge incontinence is also known as an "overactive" bladder.
• Overflow incontinence: When the bladder becomes full, there may be an involuntary release of urine.
• Functional incontinence: This involves a physical or mental impairment that makes it challenging to reach the bathroom in time.
• Reflex incontinence: Urine leakage that occurs without any warning or urge.

Men and women can have urinary incontinence. For example, men can have incontinence due to an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. Women may experience incontinence from events like pregnancy, vaginal delivery, or menopause. Each type of bladder problem has different causes and treatments, so it's essential to meet with a doctor for proper diagnosis and management.

How does USMD Hospital at Arlington help patients with incontinence?

At USMD Hospital at Arlington, our experienced urologists and gynecologists work together to provide comprehensive incontinence care for patients. We understand that this condition can be embarrassing and impact your quality of life. This is why we offer treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, our team in North Texas may recommend simple lifestyle changes, medication, pelvic floor exercises, or surgery.

Addressing urinary incontinence

It's important to note that incontinence is often manageable and treatable. Here are some essential steps to control your bladder health:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and keeping a healthy weight can contribute to better bladder health.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for bladder function. Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol if possible, as they may irritate the bladder.
• Kegel exercises: Pelvic floor exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder control. See a doctor to learn how to perform Kegel exercises correctly.
• Bladder sling: Women with stress incontinence may benefit from a surgical procedure called a bladder sling. This surgery supports the bladder and reduces leakage.

Take control of your bladder health

Bladder Health Month is a great time to prioritize your bladder and seek help if you have symptoms of incontinence.

At USMD Hospital at Arlington, our experienced healthcare professionals are committed to providing high-quality incontinence care for our patients across the DFW metroplex and North Texas. We use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to manage bladder problems.