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SOMETHING WELLNESS

TO TALKTalking openly

about bladder
control troubles is

“ABOUTthe first step toward
a solution. ”READY FOR RELIEF
The next step is to explore treatment
IF YOU HAVE any problems with urine options. Many times, behavioral
control, you’re dealing with urinary changes can provide relief.
incontinence (UI). This condition
affects nearly a third of American men “When a patient first comes to me,
and women.

“UI is a treatable condition,” says we look at everything,” says Kristen

Nathan Kow, MD, female pelvic medicine Allen, OT, occupational therapist with

and reconstructive surgeon at the Center Rehabilitation Hospital, Navicent

for Pelvic Health, Navicent Health.“One Health. “Many foods and drinks irritate

thing that stops people from getting help the bladder. Changing eating habits

is they don’t want to talk about it. It’s can improve incontinence.”

taboo to talk about it with other people You may also work with an

and even physicians. However, no one occupational therapist to strengthen

has to suffer in silence.” your pelvic muscles.

STARTING THE CONVERSATION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PELVIC
A leaky bladder may be an HEALTH CARE, PLEASE VISIT
WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/CFPH.
embarrassing topic of conversation, but
going years without help is even worse. “Many people, especially SPEAK THE LANGUAGE
Use these tips to make the conversation
as comfortable as possible: those who are getting Using the technical terms can help you feel
»» Start with primary care. Your older, think it’s normal more comfortable when talking about your
to leak. However, it’s not bladder control issues. When you speak with
primary care provider (PCP) will be normal for anyone of your physician, discuss which kind of urinary
able to test for an infection or other any age to have bladder incontinence (UI) you experience.
condition causing your UI. A PCP control problems. It’s
will refer you to a specialist, such as your body’s way of saying »» Stress UI is caused »» Urge UI is when someone
Dr. Kow, if you need one. something is wrong. suddenly gets the urge
»» Write it down. Before your by pressure on
appointment, keep a list of symptoms, Kristen Allen, OT, occupational to go and cannot make it
such as difficulty urinating, weak flow therapist with Rehabilitation Hospital, the bladder.
or feeling like you can’t empty your to the bathroom in time.
bladder. Write down when you notice Navicent Health Someone with
incontinence, such as after sneezing or stress UI may leak This type of UI may be
coughing. when coughing or caused by a disease such as
»» Know your history. If you have any diabetes.
other conditions, such as diabetes, sneezing.
tell your PCP. Make sure you discuss
your medications and dosages. Let
your PCP know if you have ever had a
surgery or given birth.

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