Urge Urinary Incontinence: Recognizing Symptoms and Effective Treatment Approaches

Do you have the frequent urge to urinate or have problems controlling it? It may be time to seek help for incontinence in North Richland Hills, TX. A visit to Dr. Rhodesia LaStrap’s office is the right step to improving your quality of life.

What Causes Urine Leakage?

 Urinary leaks can happen to anyone for several reasons. However, older women seem to be the most frequently diagnosed with it. Urine can leak from the bladder when area muscles weaken. Those same muscles can become overactive and make you have a sudden urge to urinate. 

If another organ is pressing down on the bladder, it can create this urge and make it hard to control. Men may develop this issue due to an enlarged prostate. Pregnant women often experience it as the baby gets bigger and can weigh on the bladder. A full bowel from constipation also affects it.

Diseases that cause nerve damage, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can all cause this problem. Some people may have leakage during activities that involve stress in the pelvic area such as heavy lifting, sneezing, or intense coughing.

What Are the Symptoms?

 You will likely need to seek help for incontinence in North Richland Hills, TX, when you leak urine during certain activities like bending, exercising, or lifting.  If your urge to urinate comes very suddenly without the ability to hold it for a few minutes, it's a sign you have weak muscles in the area. Do you repeatedly have an accident because you can't reach the toilet in time after a sudden urge? Some people, particularly children, may wet the bed during urinary incontinence. They may do so in their sleep, or sometimes the person can't get up in time to reach the bathroom, especially when elderly.

What Are Treatment Options?

 Dr. LaStrap’s approach to treating this disorder includes pelvic muscle strengthening, such as through kegels. These pelvic floor exercises target the muscles you need to control your urinary flow. If these muscles are strong enough, you can stop your urinary flow full midstream. Throughout the day, practice contracting the muscles for a few seconds and then relax them.

Part of your overall treatment plan may also include nutritional counseling. The doctor will suggest avoiding certain foods that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, spicy food, acidic foods like vinegar, and too much caffeine. Drinking lots of water is essential for a healthy bladder.

You are not alone when dealing with incontinence in North Richland Hills, TX. Dr. LaStrap is an experienced professional who can tailor treatment for you. Call her at (817) 590-2229 to make an appointment.