T.J. Samson | Destination Health | April 2020

April 2020 3 Incontinence affects men too Although urinary incontinence most often strikes women, the disorder doesn’t discriminate: Men can also struggle with it. Incontinence in men is typically tied to prostate problems. That’s be- cause the prostate gland gets bigger with age. And an enlarged prostate can press against the urethra and cause men to leak urine. Leakage may also occur after surgery for prostate cancer. Just like in women, incontinence in men is highly treatable. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes—like limiting fluids at night or cutting back on caffeine—are enough to help stop leaking. But doctors may also advise: ■  ■ Training the bladder to hold urine by gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits. ■  ■ Taking medicine to improve urine flow or relax the bladder. ■  ■ Treating incontinence with nerve stimulation or surgery. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health; UpToDate L aughing, exercising or not being able to find a bath- room quickly enough shouldn’t make you leak urine. Yet that’s just what happens every day to countless women, who are twice as likely as men to have trouble controlling their bladders. It can be embarrassing to admit to a doctor that you’re leaking urine, whether it’s just an occasional ac- cident or it’s an ongoing problem that’s disrupting your life. But here’s an incentive to speak up: Urinary incontinence (that’s the medical term) is highly treatable. Now here’s a look at a topic that should never be taboo. WHY ARE WOMEN SO VULNERABLE? Pregnancy, childbirth and meno- pause can all weaken the pelvic muscles needed for bladder con- trol.The urethra—the tube that takes urine out of the body—is also shorter in women than men. Con- sequently, it has less muscle. And if it’s weakened or damaged, it’s more likely to trigger incontinence. Women can leak urine at any age. But it’s more common later in life. In fact, more than 4 in 10 women 65 and older have trouble with bladder control.That’s likely because dwindling levels of estrogen after menopause may weaken the urethra. Women can leak urine at any age. But it’s more common later in life. In fact, more than 4 in 10 women 65 and older have trouble with bladder control. For more information, please contact the TJ Health Urology Clinic at 270-659-5965 . Incontinence: A secret women shouldn’t keep STAYING DRY There are many effective treatments for incontinence, and often doc- tors advise the simplest and safest first.That might be trimming down if you’re overweight, since extra pounds put pressure on your blad- der. Or stopping smoking if you light up, since the habit can con- tribute to leaking. Your doctor may also advise: Doing Kegel exercises. These exercises involve tightening and relaxing the muscles that control urine flow. Practicing them can help you hold urine longer. Treating constipation by eating more fiber. Constipa- tion can make urinary inconti- nence worse. Training your bladder. Gradually increasing the times between bathroom visits may help you hold more urine. Changing your drinking habits. You’ll be less likely to leak urine if you avoid carbonated drinks (such as soda), caffeinated drinks and alcohol. If steps like these don’t help, your doctor may talk to you about other options. Among them: medicine; medical devices; nerve stimulation; and, in some cases, surgery. Your doctor can help you decide the right remedies for you. But you need to talk about the problem first. Sources: National Institutes of Health; Office on Women’s Health Women’s health