We get pretty good at knowing how and when to go to the bathroom once we’re out of diapers. Then one day, something changes, and you begin to question whether you need to get back into diapers again.

After years of having things under control, you start to lose it. A sudden cough or sneeze can produce leakage. Maybe you were doing an exercise or riding an amusement park ride. Many things can cause it, but how do you stop incontinence?

It Happens to Most of Us

This can be a difficult subject for some women to discuss because it’s embarrassing. Who wants to tell their friends that they peed their pants?

The reality is that this happens to most of us. Researchers reported that between 3% and 17% of women experience it. That sounds like a very conservative estimate, considering how many people prefer to hide the problem.

If you are pregnant or have given birth, then you are more likely to experience incontinence. That’s because your pelvic floor is weaker, which makes it harder to hold urine. Anything that applies pressure can cause leakage – even something as simple as a laugh.

Taking Control of Your Bladder

Knowing that other women deal with this problem may be comforting, but it doesn’t give us any real solutions. So how do you retake control of your bladder?

Kegel exercises are one option. They tighten the pelvic floor and improve strength. You can do them on your own or talk to a gynecologist if you need guidance. Call Women’s Health office today for a gynecological exam, so we can provide you with the best treatment plan for your female incontinence.

The post Why Do I Pee When I Laugh, Cough, or Sneeze? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

We get it. No one wants to talk about things going on in the rear.

Hemorrhoids fall at the top of the list of topics you would never bring up in a casual conversation. However, we need to know how to deal with these kinds of problems. Sometimes, you have to look for answers, and that may mean asking some embarrassing questions.

First, it’s important to understand what hemorrhoids are and how they happen. When veins in the rectum or anus swell, they can begin to protrude. This can lead to bleeding and discomfort. It’s a very common condition, especially for women who have just given birth.

Straining due to constipation during or after pregnancy can cause hemorrhoids. Other causes include lengthy periods of sitting on a toilet, obesity, anal intercourse, heavy lifting, and low-fiber diets.

That’s Great. Now, What Can I Do to Stop Hemorrhoids?

Most of the time, you can stop hemorrhoids on your own without help from a doctor. A warm bath or sitz bath can provide relief. Other options include applying Preparation H or witch hazel pads.

Even though this is a common medical condition, you should still monitor it closely and seek advice when needed. It’s rare, but some women require surgery to take care of the problem. If you have questions or develop hemorrhoids that don’t seem to go away, talk to your OB/GYN.

It may seem embarrassing, but that’s part of our job. You are not the only patient to discuss this kind of problem, and you won’t be the last. Give Women’s Health a call today to schedule an appointment and find a way to get rid of those pesky hemorrhoids!

The post How Do I Get Rid of These Annoying Hemorrhoids?! appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.