Treating Incontinence at Any Age
Is a Pelvic Floor Muscle Exerciser Right For Me?
Incontinence Types
Let's understand the different incontinence types, explain what causes them, and give you some advice on how to proceed.
While urinary incontinence is most common in women over the age of 50, it can occur at any age and can be caused by a variety of reasons. While there are many treatment options available, many women opt to try a pelvic floor muscle exerciser to help tone their pelvic floor and reduce the symptoms of incontinence.
What Are The First Signs of Incontinence?
Regardless of age, the early signs of incontinence are often similar. You may notice:
- Leaking urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising
- Frequent urination
- Sudden, strong urges to urinate
- Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder
Recognizing these symptoms early allows for prompt intervention, helping to prevent the issue from worsening over time.
Understanding the Causes of Incontinence
Incontinence can be caused by various factors, including:
- Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles: Often due to aging, pregnancy, childbirth, or lack of exercise.
- Hormonal Changes: Estrogen levels decline during menopause, weakening bladder support.
- Chronic Coughing: Conditions like asthma or smoking-related coughs put extra pressure on the bladder.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can affect bladder control.
- Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics, can increase urine production and worsen incontinence.
Incontinence at Every Age
While pregnancy, childbirth, and hormonal changes during menopause are common triggers, urinary leaks can affect teens and young adults as well. Let’s explore how incontinence manifests at different life stages and how a pelvic floor muscle exerciser like Elitone can help.
Teen & Young Adults
Young women and teens can develop incontinence due to high-impact sports, strenuous exercise, or genetic predisposition. Strengthening the pelvic floor with a muscle exerciser can provide long-term benefits. Unlike internal devices, Elitone is external, making it a more comfortable and convenient option. Just 20 minutes a day can lead to stronger pelvic muscles and improved bladder control within six weeks.
Postpartum Women
Leaking after childbirth is common as pelvic muscles weaken. However, using an internal device postpartum can be uncomfortable or even unsafe due to infection risks. Additionally, many internal exercisers are not recommended until six months postpartum. Because Elitone is used externally, it is safe to use much sooner, allowing new moms to regain bladder control more comfortably and effectively.
Midlife & Menopause
As women enter their forties and fifties, perimenopause and menopause bring hormonal changes that can weaken pelvic floor muscles, leading to more frequent leaks. Elitone provides a simple, hands-free solution… no apps or complicated programs are required. You can go about your daily routine while strengthening your pelvic floor in a discreet, effortless way.
Aging & Later Years
For older adults, incontinence may become more common due to muscle weakening, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions. Staying active and using a pelvic floor muscle exerciser can help maintain bladder control, improving independence and quality of life.
Additional Ways to Improve Bladder Control
Beyond using a pelvic floor muscle exerciser, there are other steps you can take to manage and improve incontinence symptoms:
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can irritate the bladder.
- Dietary Changes: Maintain a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation, which can put pressure on the bladder.
- Kegel Exercises: Regularly practicing Kegels can strengthen the pelvic floor over time.
- Weight Management: Excess weight can strain pelvic muscles, so maintaining a healthy weight can reduce symptoms.
- Bladder Training: Gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits can help improve bladder control.
- Hydration Balance: Drinking enough water is essential, but avoiding excessive fluid intake before bedtime can help prevent nighttime leaks.
- Using Absorbent Products: In cases of severe incontinence, wearing protective pads or absorbent underwear can help manage leaks discreetly.
Exploring Additional Treatment Options
If lifestyle changes and pelvic floor muscle exercises do not provide sufficient relief, there are medical treatments available:
- Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor therapy guided by a specialist can provide targeted exercises.
- Medications: Certain medications can help relax the bladder and reduce urgency.
- Medical Devices: Internal devices like pessaries can help support the bladder.
- Surgical Options: For severe cases, procedures such as bladder sling surgery may be recommended.
Is a Pelvic Floor Muscle Exerciser Right for Me?
If you’re experiencing incontinence and looking for a non-invasive option to help tone your pelvic floor and improve your urinary incontinence symptoms, Elitone is here to help. No matter what stage of life you’re in, you can improve your incontinence and live leak free!
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