Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a type of urinary incontinence where you experience involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities that put sudden pressure on the bladder. It occurs most often when you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise, lift heavy objects, change body positions, or perform other activities that squeeze the bladder.
This form of urinary incontinence is most common in women, especially those who have experienced childbirth and menopause, but it can affect men as well.
The prevalence of stress urinary incontinence also increases with age. Some research estimates that around 20-30% of young adults in their twenties and thirties have this form of urinary incontinence. This percentage increases to 30-50% in older adults aged 70 and up
.
In this article, we'll explore the
risk factors associated with stress urinary incontinence in women and how you can naturally manage this condition to improve your quality of life.
Causes and Risks Factors of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women
The underlying cause of stress urinary incontinence often involves weakened pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play an essential role in supporting your bladder and urethra, which is the tube that channels urine from your bladder out of your body.
Some factors that may contribute to weakened pelvic floor muscles and an increased risk of stress urinary incontinence include the following:
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Pregnancy and childbirth: As your baby develops, this weight can put a strain on your pelvic floor muscles, which may cause these muscles to lose their strength and elasticity. Pregnancy hormones may also contribute to the weakening of your pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, research has found that vaginal childbirth is associated with an increased risk of pelvic floor problems later in life
.
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Menopause: Menopause is a prominent risk factor for the development of pelvic floor muscle weakness. Around the time of menopause and post menopause, a decline in the levels of a female hormone called estrogen can cause your pelvic floor muscles to weaken
.
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Obesity: Scientists have found that obesity is another major risk factor for the development of urinary incontinence. Research also suggests that excessive weight can worsen current symptoms of stress incontinence
.
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Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as chronic coughing and diabetes can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and contribute to stress incontinence.
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Aging: As you advance in age, it's common for your pelvic floor muscles to gradually lose their strength and elasticity.
4 Natural Methods to Manage Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women
Dealing with stress urinary incontinence can understandably be frustrating. This condition can lead to embarrassment and distress and may cause women to avoid social events, exercise, or other recreational activities.
That said, the condition can be effectively remedied through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.
Here are some ways to manage your stress urinary incontinence through all-natural means.
Carry Out Pelvic Floor Exercises
Kegels, also known as
pelvic floor exercises, can help improve different types of urinary incontinence. These exercises involve tightening and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles, which may help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles if done consistently. This enables the surrounding muscles to better support the bladder and urethra, thus reducing episodes of urinary leakage.
A research review has demonstrated that these exercises are particularly helpful for women experiencing stress urinary incontinence. Based on findings, performing Kegels can improve stress incontinence symptoms by up to 70%
.
Make Helpful Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a healthy weight may help with minimizing symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Practicing a healthy diet and staying active are key to keeping your weight within the healthy range.
Apart from that, you may also adopt a
bladder-friendly diet by avoiding common bladder irritants, such as caffeine and alcohol. According to research, carbonated drinks can irritate the bladder, too
.
Studies have found that smoking is significantly associated with stress urinary incontinence, so quitting smoking may help improve your urinary symptoms
. It's best to seek a healthcare professional's advice if you wish to quit smoking, as they may be able to recommend lifestyle changes and treatments that can increase your rate of success.
Try Bladder Training
Bladder training is a form of behavioral therapy that encourages people to gradually increase the interval of time between each bathroom trip. This kind of bladder re-education aims to help you regain control over your bladder and reduce episodes of involuntary leakages.
While this therapy is most commonly recommended for those experiencing urge incontinence, research suggests it may also help improve symptoms of stress incontinence
.
Try Bladder Support Supplements
We're all familiar with supplements taken for heart health or memory. But did you know you can also consume supplements to enhance the health and functioning of your urinary tract?
The
BETTERWOMAN bladder control urinary supplement is one such supplement that can help improve symptoms of urinary incontinence. This clinically-tested blend of herbs supports better circulation, regulates hormone levels, and enhances the function of your bladder muscles and nerves, thus improving your overall urinary tract health.
Final Thoughts
If you leak a little urine whenever you cough, laugh, sneeze, or carry out a physical activity that puts pressure on your bladder, you may be experiencing stress urinary incontinence.
This type of urinary incontinence can be managed through Kegels, bladder training, and lifestyle changes that can help you regain control over your bladder and improve the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.
The
BetterWOMAN bladder support supplement can also help promote better bladder control, reduce urine leaks, and help you regain the confidence you need to live an active lifestyle.
