When you’re living with incontinence, you’ll try anything to lighten the burden of frequent bathroom visits. But, are you sabotaging yourself? Here are 8 things that make incontinence worse, as suggested by Health.com.

1. Make fewer trips to the water cooler
It makes sense that consuming too much liquid is a problem for those who suffer from incontinence. However, it’s important to keep hydrated. Generally, doctors recommend drinking about two liters of fluid a day.

2. Dial back the morning pick-me-ups
Love your morning cup of joe? Caffeine, like alcohol, is both a diuretic and a bladder irritant. Decaf and tea can do just as much damage so wean yourself off of the caffeine addiction.

3. Put away the pop
Containing both caffeine and carbonation, carbonated drinks have been shown to worsen incontinence symptoms. The more you can stick to a natural diet without colorings and chemicals, the better.

4. Stop the sweet tooth
Sugary foods including those that contain honey, corn syrup and fructose have been shown to aggravate your bladder. Put away the Splenda, artificial sweeteners may be no better. Research has shown that even the substitute stuff contributes to urge incontinence.

5. No more hot tamales
Studies suggest that spicy foods can be a trigger for overactive bladders. If you notice a problem, cut back on the curry and hot sauce.

6. Cut back on the booze.
Alcohol is a diuretic. It causes you to produce more urine, which can contribute to urge incontinence. Try to limit yourself to one drink a day.

7. OJ is “Oh no!”
The age-old cure of orange juice may be a curse for those with incontinence. Acidic foods and beverages can irritate your bladder and possibly worsen incontinence symptoms.

8. Monitor your medication
Certain heart medications such as blood pressure-lowering drugs, muscle relaxants and sedatives tend to worsen incontinence. Talk to your doctor about whether your prescription medications might be contributing to your bladder problems.

Are you running to the bathroom instead of running the trails? If so, you’re not alone! Researchers have found that as many as 30 percent of female runners have experienced incontinence while running. The median age for women marathon runners is 35, which also is a prime age for urinary incontinence to emerge.

Urinary leakage during running is due to what is often called “stress incontinence.” The jarring impact of your legs hitting the pavement causes the organs in the pelvic cavity to be continuously pulled in a downward motion, sometimes resulting in pelvic organ prolapse issues. The most frequent form of incontinence, stress incontinence can be triggered by running, jumping or even sneezing.

Are you at risk? Weakened pelvic muscles happen after childbirth, surgeries, diabetes, obesity and even some medications. Also, as women age their likelihood of experiencing incontinence issues increases.

What can women do to lessen the symptoms?

• Strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor using Kegel exercises or Pilates.
• Wear support garments like absorbent pads while running to absorb any leakage.
• Time your fluid intake, use the restroom before running or plan on having a bathroom or two along your route.
• Keep a bladder diary to determine the best times to go to the restroom.
• Discuss treatment options – including minimally invasive surgery – with a doctor.

Most importantly, don’t let incontinence limit you from participating in something you love. Whether you dream of running marathons or simply running after your kids at the park, we’re here to help. For more information or to speak with a dedicated medical concierge, call 1.800.771.1953.

Summer is all about being spontaneous — jogging, biking, hiking, dinners al fresco and, of course, laughing — which it what makes it such fun!

Right?

Not so much if you’re one of the 25 million people in North America people who are coping with stress bladder incontinence . As a result of weakened pelvic muscles, stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks out involuntarily due to unexpected pressure on the bladder. But worrying about these unpredictable incidents shouldn’t ruin your otherwise carefree and happy summer. These tips from the Incontinence Institute™ can help you manage stress bladder incontinence while away from home.

At the Gym

Fitness is a key to feeling great and strengthening muscles, but so many of the typical routines can trigger an accident. Try these things instead:

• Swap exercises that cause you to bear down (crunches, double leg raises, weight training) for core-strengthening sets
• Add workouts that target the transverse abdominis — a muscle group that wraps around your belly and helps you to draw your belly button up and into your abdomen (such as when you’re doing Kegels)
• Wear triathlon shorts to add compression around your core and support for your pelvic floor (added bonus: this workout wear has a light, built-in pad to absorb moisture)

On Vacation

The beach, the mountains and a new city all have one thing in common — bathrooms that can be few and far between. Don’t let the possibility of an accident keep you from exploring new places:

• Stay hydrated with foods as well as fluids; watermelon, cucumbers, radishes and bell peppers are summer staples packed with water that give your bladder a break
• Say no to overly spicy and acidic foods (like citrus, pineapple and tomatoes) which can irritate your bladder
• Download a toilet locator app for your smartphone, like the “Flush – Public Toilet Finder”, that scans your immediate surroundings for bathrooms that are clean and safe

At a Sleepover

Being (and having) a houseguest can be wonderful, like staying in a hotel filled with your favorite people who get every inside joke and share your intense dislike of that weird, wrinkly fruit. Relax with these tips:

• Pack dark pants, flowy skirts, patterned dresses and tunic-style tops — these pieces are fashionable, comfortable and great at hiding stains
• Bring plenty of absorbent pads and disposable bags to avoid having to ask your host for a spare
• Use white vinegar (from the pantry) or rubbing alcohol (from the medicine cabinet) to kill bacteria and dilute urine odors without damaging the upholstery or mattress

While the possibility of an unexpected incident from stress bladder incontinence can certainly make you anxious, a little planning can help you manage your symptoms easily. If you have questions or are interested in discussing a permanent solution with an Incontinence Institute doctor, contact us online  or call our discreet, dedicated Medical Concierge at (800) 771–1953.

Urge incontinence , more commonly referred to as “overactive bladder syndrome” or OAB, is identified as sudden and sporadic bladder contractions. What that actually means is that you may need to urinate without warning, oftentimes when there is no restroom nearby, or that urine leakage could occur when laughing, exercising, or sneezing. Diagnosing OAB can frequently be delayed or entirely missed due to embarrassment, misinformation, and a number of other underlying conditions. Take an anonymous self-assesment  offered by the Incontinence Institute™ and read on for tips on when to seek treatment.

Say It Out Loud

Embarrassment and depression are just two of the emotional pitfalls  associated with any type of incontinence. Because we’re all “potty-trained” from a very early age, having to admit that you’ve had an accident or don’t feel like you’re in control of your bladder can result in simply ignoring the situation. That denial only leads to a worsened condition and deprives you from the support network  that’s millions-strong.

“It’s Only Natural” and Other Misinformation

The aging process, childbirth , and other normal bodily functions make for convenient scapegoats. While  older women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with urge incontinence, it can develop into a neuromuscular condition affecting any age and gender. Avoiding things that can cause bladder irritation, such as caffeine and “holding it”, are just a couple of ways to help decrease the spasms that lead to uncontrollable urination.

Another common mistake is assuming your intense urge to urinate is caused by a Urinary Tract Infection  (UTI). Caused by the common bacteria E. coli and accounting for approximately 4 million clinic visits per year in the U.S.¹, the UTI is another way to shift focus away from possibility of urge incontinence. Because UTIs are treated with antibiotics, it can be very dangerous to repeatedly misdiagnose chronic incontinence for this temporary infection.

Underlying Health Issues

Prostate issues such as an enlargement of the gland or surgery for prostate cancer , as well as obesity , can also obscure your urge incontinence symptoms. If fluid management, consciously urinating when you first feel the need, and cutting out irritants such as caffeine and smoking haven’t provided any relief, it may be time to seek treatment .

There are number of treatment options , some non-invasive as well as other highly-effective medical procedures, that can help put your bladder back in your control.  But the first step is talk with an expert, like doctors Barry Jarnagin and Melissa Kaufman at the Incontinence Institute. To set up an appointment or discuss your concerns, contact us online  or call our discreet, professional Medical Concierge at (800) 771–1953.

Incontinence is one of the most difficult conditions to face. You may not know why it happens, how to control it, or how to feel comfortable going out in public. However, what many people don’t realize is that there are treatment options available. If you have symptoms or a diagnosis of incontinence, treatment may be available to you in a variety of forms. With the help of experienced, specialized doctors, you may get the help you need to overcome this condition for good.

What Are the Incontinence Treatment Options?

Everyone’s needs are very different. When you come in for a consultation and examination, you’ll learn more about the treatment options that are available to you specifically. These are some of the treatments for incontinence.

• Botox is one of the best solutions for most people. It involves an injection into the bladder muscle, which then helps to provide improved control. The procedure takes just 15 minutes to perform. It can last up to nine months.

• InterStim is a device that is about the size of a silver dollar that’s placed in the skin near the pelvis. It works as a modulator for neurological signals. In short, it works to improve communications with the bladder and brain reducing your risks of problems.

• Medications may help some people. Some prescription medications include estrogen, imipramine, anticholinergics, and desmopressin. Not all medications will work for all patients, which is why a specialized examination is necessary for each individual. Medications work in various ways to help improve control.

• Physical therapy and biofeedback are additional options. In some situations, this condition occurs due to a weakened muscle or nerve-related concerns. If this is the case, physical therapy may be helpful. Biofeedback uses sensors attached to the body to improve mental and physical exercises that can improve control.

• Urethral sling treatment is another option that works for 8 out of 10 women – leading to a cure. This is a form of surgery that addresses a sagging urethra or bladder neck, which often happens from complications of other surgeries. The treatment can work in men as well. In this procedure, a sling is connected to the abdominal wall. This works to lift the urethra to the proper position.

Which treatment option can work for you?

This depends on a number of factors. What you should know, though, is that many people struggle with this type of health condition. It is not something you should feel embarrassed to discuss with your doctor. When you come in to learn more about incontinence treatment options, we’ll discuss what can work for your specific needs. In many cases, patients can benefit from more than one option, giving you the ability to find the best solution for your individual needs. This means improved quality of life and health. Give the Incontinence Institute a call to discuss options tailored to your specific needs!

For many people, incontinence is an embarrassing problem that they’d just like to forget. As a result, it becomes easy to try to ignore incontinence symptoms and to make excuses rather than seeking simple treatments that can help to resolve those symptoms. Here are a few of the most common excuses women and men use to avoid seeking treatment for their symptoms. See if any of them sound familiar:

• Incontinence is a normal part of aging: This is probably the biggest misconception and the one that can be most difficult to overcome. Incontinence may be more common as we age, but it is not a “normal” occurrence.
• Incontinence is a normal occurrence following childbirth: Likewise, many women mistakenly believe having “a little” urinary incontinence – maybe when sneezing or laughing – is part and parcel of having a child.
• I just can’t handle dealing with it right now: When it comes to treating incontinence issues, there’s no better time than right now. There are lots of causes of incontinence, and the sooner you have your condition evaluated, the easier it will be to treat.
• Incontinence is something you just have to live with: Most women are familiar with using pads, so using a pad for incontinence is often a first step – and one that can wind up delaying treatment indefinitely while symptoms become worse.
• The treatments are worse than the condition itself: In fact, treatments for both urinary and bowel incontinence are simpler and more straightforward than ever. Most patients experience improvement in symptoms with a plan of action designed specifically for their needs, including exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, medication and behavior changes. When conservative approaches are enough, state-of-the-art surgical techniques are safe and effective.

The fact is, the human body is highly resilient, and when evaluated by a professional who specializes in incontinence, you can reduce or even resolve your symptoms and lead a more comfortable, more confident life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of bladder or bowel incontinence, give us a call at 1-800-771-1953 and schedule an evaluation today.

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Month, which makes it an ideal time to review a little bit about the condition, its possible causes and symptoms, and its treatments. As any one who’s been diagnosed with IBS can tell you, bowel incontinence is one of the more common symptoms. In fact, according to clinical research, as many as 20 percent of IBS patients suffer from incontinence and a third experience loose bowels that can cause soiling.

So what is IBS and just what causes it? IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Although it can cause some of the same symptoms as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, it doesn’t cause changes in the bowel tissue that are the hallmark of those two diseases. And because it’s a long-lasting condition, it can also cause feelings of anxiety and even depression.

As for what causes it, researchers aren’t clear, but studies show it may be related to the muscles or nerves that control the way the bowel contracts and the sensations bowel activities can cause. Research has also shown that IBS can be triggered by certain foods, illnesses, stress and even hormones, and triggers can vary substantially from one person to another. It also seems clear IBS is more likely to occur in women as well as those with a family history of the condition.

Since the causes of IBS aren’t yet known, right now, treatment is focused on reducing or eliminating symptoms, including bowel incontinence. Some bouts of IBS may be avoided or lessened by avoiding triggers whenever possible, for instance, by eliminating certain foods or learning stress management techniques. Other times, medication may help.

If you have IBS or you’ve been experiencing symptoms like bowel incontinence or loose bowels, having an evaluation is critical to your good health. Make an appointment with the Incontinence Institute today so you can start feeling more confident about your health and your life.

Most people know BOTOX® can be used to treat certain types of wrinkles, but did you know it can also be used to treat overactive bladder? It’s true – the FDA has approved the use of BOTOX for the treatment of some types of overactive bladder (OAB).

How do Bladder Botox Injections Work?

BOTOX® works by blocking nerve signals sent from the bladder muscles to the brain. The overstimulated muscles responsible for overactive bladder leakage are unable to flex or contract, preventing urinary incontinence.

The bladder is lined with muscles that help it contract and expel urine. Overactive bladder occurs when these muscles become overstimulated and begin firing off messages to the brain at random times. The result: urine leakage – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.

BOTOX® blocks the nerve signals between the muscles and the brain. When those muscles can’t communicate with the brain, they can’t flex or contract. On the face, for instance, BOTOX® works by preventing the muscles of the forehead or around the eyes from sending nerve signals to the brain. That means when you smile, for instance, the muscles that would normally cause crow’s feet to form aren’t “told” to contract, and those little, crinkly lines don’t form.

In the bladder, BOTOX® does the same thing, only this time, it relaxes the bladder muscles – not too much, but just enough to help prevent the spasms that can cause leakage. The FDA has approved BOTOX® for overactive bladder that occurs as a result of nerve damage, such as those with spinal injury or multiple sclerosis; but doctors can also use it for other kinds of OAB, based on a careful evaluation of the patient and the symptoms.

In fact, in one recent study of nearly 250 women with moderate to severe bladder incontinence, a single injection of BOTOX® was just as effective as pills at controlling loss of urine at six months, and more effective at 12 months after treatment. What’s more, women who received BOTOX® were twice as likely to report complete resolution of their symptoms compared to those who took oral medication.

To maintain the effects of BOTOX®, most women will need to have additional injections every nine months or so.

The bottom line: There are many options for dealing with overactive bladder; why live with symptoms? Schedule a consultation today and learn how we can help.

If you’re dealing with any type of incontinence, you owe it yourself and your health to be evaluated at the Incontinence Institute. Give us a call today at 1-800-771-1953 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barry Jarnagin or Dr. Melissa Kaufman.