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Young Women and Incontinence
March 31, 2009 |
It’s often been associated with older Americans, but the number of young women dealing
with urinary incontinence is now on the rise.
“It’s most common in women in their 60’s and older, however, women as young as in
their 30’s can start to experience some leakage after they have a child,” says Dr.
Carolyn Langford, a urological surgeon on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health
System.
Urinary incontinence is the accidental leakage of urine while sneezing, coughing,
even doing physical activity. It’s the child-bearing experience that could be at
the root of the problem. “Stress incontinence, which is a more common element of
incontinence, can occur because of a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which
can occur because of weight gain, could occur because of heredity and can occur
because of childbirth, multiple births, or birth trauma, ” explains
Dr. Langford.
Doctors
say certain lifestyle changes can sometimes help the problem, such as losing
weight, avoiding caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Doctors even advise that patients
stop smoking, since smoking can produce chronic coughing that can strain pelvic
floor muscles.
“Its usually a small amount - that can usually be treated. There’s a wide range
of treatments,”
adds Dr. Langford. You are encouraged to contact your doctor for
the best treatment for your situation.
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