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InterView Magazine


        Our surveys show that over half of our members occasionally leak urine. Doctors refer to this as urinary—or bladder— incontinence.

Stress incontinence: This type of incontinence occurs when the bladder is squeezed. The pressure of coughing, sneezing or laughing can cause the squeezing and it is most common in women. The muscles and ligaments around the bladder may be stretched and weakened, particularly after child birth. Stress incontinence in men usually occurs after prostate surgery. Kegel exercises* may be helpful in controlling this type of incontinence in both men and women.



Urge incontinence
Is sometimes called “overactive bladder.” An uncontrollable, often sudden, urge to urinate occurs frequently. Infections, nerve problems and other medical problems could underlie urge incontinence. You should discuss it with your doctor.

Overflow incontinence
Occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty properly. If the bladder gets too full then sometimes small amounts of urine leak out. Once again a variety of medical problems can cause this and you should check with your doctor.
Quit smoking
Smoking can lead to a chronic cough that strains pelvic floor muscles. Smoking may also damage the bladder and the urethra.

Lose weight
Excess weight puts extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. Exercising and eating right can help you lose weight. This helps other treatments work better too.
Change your diet
Some foods like caffeinated drinks and alcohol may make you urinate more, so it may be good to avoid them. Ask your doctor whether these or other diet changes might be helpful.

Visit your doctor
Most doctors have many patients with incontinence and will be happy to discuss it with you. Various examinations can be done to determine what type of incontinence you have and depending on the type, which medications can be helpful. Other options may be discussed. Surgery may be appropriate in some cases.

        For more information call Inter Valley’s Health Services Department at 909-623- 333 or TTY/TDD 505-7108, 7:30 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday, or read more about bladder issues by going online to www.ivhp.com and click Resources, then Health and Wellness and finally on the Krames page.

*For a definitiion and examples go to the Krames page on our website or call the number above. 
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