There are a variety of reasons why your bladder may be leaking easily. Many of these causes could be due to weakened pelvic floor muscles related to childbirth or aging, or due to bladder overactivity which can cause the bladder to contract too often and lead to leakage.
Another possible cause is reduced bladder capacity which is generally seen in overactive bladder. Other causes may include certain medical conditions such as diabetes, stroke, or neurological diseases, or certain medications.
If you’re concerned that your bladder leaking is something more serious than just a weakened bladder, it’s important to see a medical professional to find out the cause. Treatment options may include physical therapy with Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, medication to reduce bladder spasms, or surgery to increase bladder capacity.
Remember, it’s important to reach out for help if you’re concerned about your bladder leaking, as there are a variety of treatment options available.
How can I stop my bladder from leaking?
There are several steps you can take to help stop your bladder from leaking.
1. Try to make it a habit to empty your bladder completely each time you go to the bathroom. Doing this will help to strengthen your bladder muscles, making them better able to hold urine until you can make it to the bathroom.
2. If you have a sudden urge to go to the bathroom, try to distract yourself. Take a few deep breaths, focus on relaxing your entire body, or do a few repititions of Kegel exercises.
3. Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine and alcohol, as these can overstimulate your bladder.
4. Maintain a healthy weight, since excess weight can contribute to issues with bladder control. Eating fiber-rich foods as well as drinking plenty of water can help to keep your weight in check.
5. Visit your doctor for treatment. The doctor may recommend specific exercises, medications or even surgery to help manage bladder leakage if other methods fail.
By following these steps you should see some improvement in your bladder control. Try to make a few lifestyle changes, such as those listed above, and don’t forget to pay regular visits to your doctor to get the help and advice that you need.
Can bladder leakage be stopped?
Yes, bladder leakage can be stopped. But lifestyle changes can often help reduce or stop it. Some self-care strategies that may help include scheduling regular bathroom breaks, trying one or more of the methods of bladder control, doing kegel exercises, avoiding bladder irritants, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and treating constipation.
In some cases, medications and other medical treatments, such as pelvic floor physical therapy, may also be helpful.
What is the treatment for bladder leakage?
Treatment for bladder leakage depends on the underlying cause, and treatment may vary from lifestyle and dietary modifications to the use of medications or surgical intervention.
Lifestyle modifications may include reducing caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners; performing pelvic floor muscle exercises; and avoiding activities that put pressure on your bladder. Dietary modifications may include cutting down on acidic foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder.
Women who experience bladder leakage postpartum may benefit from activities such as Kegel exercises, which strengthen pelvic floor muscles and support the bladder.
If lifestyle modifications and dietary changes are not successful, medications may be prescribed to help treat bladder leakage such as anticholinergics or bladder relaxants. Anticholinergics decrease contractions of the bladder, which decreases urgency and frequency.
Bladder relaxants, such as alpha-blockers, can relax the bladder muscle to help reduce the urge to urinate.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended. One of the most common surgical treatments for bladder leakage is the implantation of a urinary incontinence device, such as a sling or a bladder neck support.
This device is surgically placed to provide additional support to the lower urinary tract and reduce leakage. A newer procedure known as UroLift is also gaining popularity. This procedure uses small implants to lift and open the prostate to reduce bladder pressure and urinary obstruction.
Your healthcare provider can help you to determine the best plan of treatment for your bladder leakage.
