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.

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