Sarah is a 42-year-old executive juggling a busy career and family life. She’s always made time for fitness, including a weekly spin class. But lately, every high-intensity sprint has caused an embarrassing leak, forcing her to cut the workout short.
Sarah assumed it was just “part of being a mom” after two kids, but avoiding exercise was dimming her confidence. A friend urged her to see a specialist, and Sarah’s visit to Women’s Integrated Healthcare changed everything. She learned her stress incontinence was treatable, not inevitable.
Urinary incontinence affects millions of women, yet it’s often shrouded in silence due to embarrassment or the misconception that it’s a normal part of aging. At Women’s Integrated Healthcare, we believe no woman should live with discomfort or limitations. Whether it’s a small leak during a workout or an urgent need to rush to the bathroom, incontinence is treatable, and our expert team in Southlake and Fort Worth is here to help you reclaim control.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, impacting more than 25 percent of women, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The two most common types are:
- Stress Incontinence: Leakage during activities like coughing or exercise, often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
- Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense need to urinate, linked to overactive bladder muscles.
Other types, like mixed or overflow incontinence, may also occur, each with unique causes.
Why Does Incontinence Happen?
Incontinence can stem from:
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: Vaginal deliveries weaken pelvic muscles.
- Menopause: Declining estrogen thins urethral tissues.
- Lifestyle Factors: High-impact activities or caffeine can worsen symptoms.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes or urinary tract infections (UTIs) may contribute.
Our Fort Worth and Southlake ObGyns use bladder function tests and pelvic exams to identify causes.
Practical Strategies to Manage Incontinence
Try these steps while working with our team:
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Perform 3 sets of 10-15 Kegel contractions daily, holding for 5 seconds. Ask us for proper technique.
- Bladder Training: Delay urination by 5-10 minutes when you feel the urge, gradually increasing over weeks.
- Dietary Adjustments: Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol. Sip water throughout the day.
- Timed Voiding: Schedule bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours to reduce urgency.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms.
When to Seek Help
Seek care if incontinence is limiting your activities. Warning signs include:
- Leaking during routine activities.
- Urinating more than 8 times daily.
- Sudden urges preventing bathroom access.
We offer urodynamic testing and treatments like pelvic floor therapy, sling surgery, or Botox injections.
Take the First Step
Incontinence isn’t inevitable. Schedule a consultation to explore personalized solutions. Empower your life with Women’s Integrated Healthcare.
References:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Urinary Incontinence in Women. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/urinary-incontinence-women
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Urinary Incontinence. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/urinary-incontinence
