Ask the Incontinence Experts
DISCLAIMER: All clinical recommendations are intended to assist with determining the appropriate incontinence therapy for the patient. Responsibility for final decisions and actions related to care of specific patients shall remain the obligation of the institution, its staff, and the patients attending physicians. Nothing in this consultation shall be deemed to constitute the providing of medical care or the diagnosis of any medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is incontinence?
Incontinence is a common condition that means the involuntary loss of urine. This condition can occur for a number of reasons but is most commonly associated with the loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising or by the inability to hold urine when the urge to urinate occurs. Both men and women are affected by incontinence, most typically as they get older. Several types and causes of incontinence exist, and many can be treated to either eliminate or significantly reduce the problem.
I've heard of various behavioral techniques for helping with incontinence, one of them being Kegel exercises. What exactly are Kegel exercises?
Women are often instructed to do Kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic-floor muscles. Kegel exercises are most often taught at childbirth classes. While Kegel exercises assist in vaginal childbirth, they can also strengthen the muscles that help you hold back urine. Kegel exercises are believed to reduce the incidence of stress and urge incontinence.
When should someone who is concerned about incontinence seek medical attention?
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you:
- leak urine
- get up more than twice a night to urinate
- feel the urgent need to urinate often
- have difficulty starting the urine stream
- feel the bladder is still full after urinating
- dribble urine after going to the bathroom
See a doctor immediately if you:
- have blood in your urine (pink or reddish urine)
- have pain or burning with urination.
Have a question
about Incontinence?
AALTCN can answer your question with help from experts in Incontinence. AALTCN has partnered with Tranquility incontinence clinicians to offer our members a forum to ask any questions they may have regarding incontinence.
Please fill out the form below to submit your question.
