Women’s health is Bladder health
When it comes to women’s health, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is bladder health. While breast cancer prevention and treatment are rightfully emphasized, it’s crucial to recognize that pelvic floor disorders affect a significant number of women, with 1 in 3 women. As November marks Bladder Health Month, it’s the perfect time to educate yourself about the importance of bladder health. Here are some key facts about the bladder that not everyone is aware of:
- Bladder Capacity: The bladder can hold up to 500ml of urine.
- Pelvic Muscle Control: We have control over our bladder through the contraction and release of pelvic muscles, which regulate urine flow.
- Bladder Signals: Nerves in our body send signals when the bladder is full, giving us ample time to locate a restroom.
- Early Sign of Fullness: The bladder begins signaling fullness when it’s only about a quarter full.
- Normal Frequency: It is considered normal to empty your bladder approximately 8 times a day.
In addition to raising awareness about bladder health, Bladder Health Month is an opportune time to have an open discussion about incontinence.
Incontinence, in its various forms, affects 1 in every 3 women worldwide. In the over-50 age group, an alarming 1 out of every 2 women will struggle with this prevalent health issue. Unfortunately, incontinence is a topic that people often hesitate to discuss. Therefore, it’s essential to shed light on women’s health and specifically pelvic health. By bringing these issues to the forefront, we can find real solutions and ensure that the voices of those affected are heard.
The Consequences of Poor Bladder Health
One significant consequence of incontinence is silence. Many women choose to cope with the issue by purchasing and wearing daily pads or by pretending it isn’t a problem. Others may resort to invasive surgeries or internal e-stim products in a silent attempt to resolve the issue. Some might even undergo costly, time-consuming, and uncomfortable physical therapy sessions. Throughout this journey, feelings of embarrassment, shame, and worry arise, accompanied by questions such as:
“Will my light leaks get worse?”
“Do I smell?”
“ How can I enjoy afternoons at the park or vacations poolside with my family?”
As women, we owe it to ourselves to no longer keep overactive bladder (OAB), urge incontinence (UUI), and stress incontinence (SUI) as our best-kept secrets. Seeking guidance from medical professionals is essential, but we must also be our own advocates and support one another. We turn to our peers for advice on various aspects of life, such as parenthood, marriage, careers, cooking, and home decorating. By fostering open and honest dialogues about the leaks and urgency we experience, we can reduce feelings of isolation and gain hope.
With this in mind, let’s explore the different types of incontinence and the available treatment options:
- Overactive Bladder (OAB): Age can be a contributing factor to this type of incontinence, which is more common in women. OAB causes a persistent urge to urinate that can be challenging to control, leading to leaks and limiting daily activities.
- Urge Incontinence (UUI): UUI is characterized by a strong and sudden need to urinate that cannot be delayed. Women with UUI experience leaks due to the bladder muscles contracting at the wrong time.
- Stress Incontinence (SUI): If a woman experiences even minor leaks when coughing, laughing, running, or sneezing, she is likely suffering from SUI. These movements essentially put pressure on the bladder, causing those embarrassing leaks.