Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the most prevalent urinary disorder, may affect 50 percent of women over the age of 48 years, according to official records from health authorities. Around 10 percent of this number is expected to undergo surgical procedures to address this pelvic disorder. A big percentage of these surgeries, involving the use of vaginal mesh implants, have resulted to severe injuries which have led to vaginal mesh lawsuits. A few cases have been resolved in court while a few have been settled out of court which may bode well for vaginal mesh victims, according to experts.
Especially those in their middle ages who should be enjoying their twilight years, this medical condition has definitely become a burden to women. There are some things a woman may do to reduce the risks of developing SUI even if some factors, such as childbirth and menopause, are beyond their control.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Due to different causes such pregnancy, childbirth, injuries, and menopause, the pelvic muscles may be weakened or damaged resulting to stress urinary incontinence. Urine leakage may result when these muscles are weakened since the bladder may drop down preventing the urethra from closing.
The effectiveness of strengthening the pelvic floor muscles not just in the treatment of SUI but also in preventing the occurrence of this common urinary problem has been established through different studies. Kegel exercises appears to be the best method to achieve this since it focuses in the strengthening of the urinary sphincter and the muscles that support the bladder and other pelvic organs. In learning how to perform these exercises correctly, you may ask the assistance of your doctor or physical therapist.
Weight Reduction
Overweight and obesity have been shown by countless studies to be prime risk factors in the development of SUI. A unit increase in body mass index (BMI) has been determined to result to a three percent increase in the risk of incontinence. Significant improvements in incontinence conditions, according to other clinical trials, were experienced when weight was reduced by even as low as five percent.
To provide proper guidance in achieving your goal of losing excess weight, seeking the assistance of an expert might be a good idea. The possibility of undergoing weight loss surgery may be explored by those regarded as severely obese.
Lifestyle Changes
It has been proven that making necessary lifestyle and behavioral changes have drastically reduced the risks in developing pelvic floor disorders. Included in these changes are following the proper diet, quitting smoking, limiting the intake of alcohol, and engaging in physical activities.
Certain foods and drinks such as spicy and acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated drinks have been shown to irritate the bladder and worsen urinary problems. The bladder and pelvic muscles may also be affected by smoking aside from causing chronic coughing which may trigger urine leakage.
As attested by medical specialists, following these suggestions may greatly benefit women who may be at risk of developing this common urinary problem. This may also eliminate the need for drastic measures such as vaginal mesh surgeries which have resulted to severe complications.
References:
mayoclinic.com/health/stress-incontinence
everydayhealth.com/
