Did the pee escape? Urinary incontinence is not normal

Urinary incontinence is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine and can affect individuals of all ages and genders. According to the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU), the problem affects 45% of women and 15% of men over the age of 40, directly impacting quality of life and self-esteem.

Among the main causes of dysfunction are weakening of the bladder muscles, obesity, weakening of the pelvic muscles (in women) and enlargement of the prostate (in men), as well as the use of diuretic medication, cognitive disorders and difficulty walking.

But calm down! It is possible to prevent it. Once you understand the risk factors, you need to take care that they don't trigger this condition, which is uncomfortable and impairs the quality of life of those who have it. Find out how to minimize the effects of urinary incontinence and prevent it from occurring:

- Try Kegel exercises: they strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, helping with bladder control. Practice contracting these muscles. Hold the contraction for a few seconds and relax. Repeat several times a day.

- Maintain a healthy weight: excess weight can increase pressure on the bladder, worsening the symptoms of incontinence.

- Control your fluid intake: reduce it by a few hours before bed or intense physical activity to reduce the risk of incontinence episodes.

- Have a regular urination routine: empty your bladder at regular intervals, even if you don't feel the need to, to avoid leakage.

- Adopt the use of pads or protective clothing: pads and absorbent underwear can manage leaks and provide a sense of security.

However, the search for a urologist is essential and offers personalized guidance with additional treatments, such as behavioral therapy, medication or surgery, as necessary for each case.

Don't put your quality of life on hold. Start taking care of your urinary system now.

Sources:

https://sbu-sp.org.br/publico/mes-de-conscientizacao-da-incontinencia-urinaria-acende-alerta-sobre-sintomas-e-implicacoes-do-disturbio/

Urinary incontinence

https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/saude/noticia/2024-02/incontinencia-urinaria-e-mais-comum-em-mulheres

What are pelvic muscle exercises (Kegel) and how do they work?


Subak LL, Richter HE, Hunskaar S. Obesity and urinary incontinence: epidemiology and clinical research update. J Urol. 2009 Dec;182(6 Suppl):S2-7. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2009.08.071.