In a world filled with myths, it's easy to be confused about bladder control. Read on to learn about some of the most common misconceptions.
Some incontinence is short-term, caused by a transient condition such as an infection. Treatment usually gets rid of the problem. Reusable Incontinence underwear is always recommended while dealing with urinary incontinence.
Myth 1: Bladder Size Matters
The bladder is a balloon-shaped organ in your pelvic area that holds urine. It's below your kidneys and behind your pelvis bone.
It's about the size of a grapefruit and expands as it fills with pee, shrinking as you urinate. It's a complex structure made up of tubes called ureters, and muscles that control how much pee it can hold.
When your bladder gets full of urine, it sends signals to your brain that tell the bladder muscles to squeeze (or "contract"), forcing the urine out through your urethra.
This contraction can cause urine leakage, but not always. Normally, your bladder is relaxed about 95% of the time, and contraction only happens about 5% of the time.
Bladder leakage may occur due to weak muscles, medication side effects, infection or nerve damage. It's important to talk with your doctor if you're experiencing urinary incontinence. Treatment can help you feel better and enjoy more of your life.
Myth 2: Bladder Control Is Impossible
Bladder control is something that many women take for granted - until it starts to go wrong. The truth is, bladder leakage affects women of all ages and can range from minor to major – so it’s important to understand the facts and myths about urinary incontinence before you decide to get help.
One of the most common misconceptions is that bladder leakage is inevitable as you age. This is false – in fact, it is possible to avoid bladder leakage as you age by taking preventative measures and making lifestyle choices that will improve your bladder health.
In addition, there are a number of effective and safe treatment options for urinary incontinence that can help you live a more comfortable life without the need to restrict your activities or plan around proximity to a bathroom. It’s time to break the cycle of shame and embarrassment by learning the truth about urinary incontinence and removing these false beliefs from your mind.
Myth 3: Surgery Is the Only Help
The myth that surgery is the only help for urinary incontinence is one of the most popular misconceptions about bladder leakage in women. Thankfully, that's not true!
Incontinence is a sign of another health problem, not a sickness in and of itself. A temporary condition like an infection might cause it, but when it's due to long-term illness, such as diabetes, there are exercises, diet changes, devices, drugs and surgery that can treat your bladder problem as well as the underlying disease.
Smoking is also a common cause of incontinence, as it causes chronic coughing which can stress the bladder and make you pee more. In addition, menopause, childbirth and hormones can trigger symptoms of incontinence. Often, avoiding smoking will lead to a significant reduction in the frequency of urinary incontinence. It's important to seek treatment for any bladder leakage symptoms as soon as possible, before the incontinence becomes more serious. Moreover, it's important to drink adequate fluids, so that urine is properly diluted.
Myth 4: Bladder Control Is a Personal Issue
Your bladder is a small, round organ in your pelvic area that holds urine until you use the restroom.
You control your bladder through the nerves in your brain and the muscles that work with your urethra, or feces duct, to empty it.
The bladder is part of the urologic system, which helps your body remove waste from your blood.
If everything is working right, your bladder should not leak or cause you to pee too often throughout the day.
But it’s not always so simple. The tiniest change in your bladder’s function can affect how it works and how you feel about it.
