4 Ways To Reduce And Manage Light Bladder Leakage

Health & Medical Blog

Light bladder leakage (LBL) is a problem some women may face. The condition can occur after pregnancy or can be attributed to conditions that weaken urethral or pelvic floor muscles. There are ways you can reduce the occurrence of LBL and help manage the problem if it occurs.

Don't Hold Yourself

Holding your bladder for long periods can weaken the muscles of your urethra. If you frequently find yourself holding your bladder because bathrooms are not always available, you will need to reduce your fluid intake during these times. Sip on small amounts of fluid throughout the day to stay hydrated. Between times, use sugar-free hard candy to keep your mouth moist without adding extra fluids.

You may face the problem of waking up with a painfully full bladder. Limit your fluid intake in the evenings. If you take medications that increase urination, such as diuretics, make sure you take them upon awakening, so you have plenty of time for your medication to stop working before bed.

Avoid Straining

If you frequently strain to have a bowel movement, this can weaken pelvic muscles over time. Your pelvic muscles are just as important to help you prevent unwanted flowing of urine. Eating a high-fiber diet and using fiber substitutes can help you reduce straining. If constipation is a continuous problem, you should consider speaking with a gastroenterologist. Prescription medications are available to help alleviate chronic idiopathic constipation. Additionally, you may need to have tests perform if you frequently have the urge to have a bowel movement, without actually passing stool.

Try Tampons

If you are concerned about LBL, you can use tampons to help impede the flow of urine. When a tampon is inserted into the vagina, it also applies pressure on the urethra, which can prevent urine from slipping out. If you use a tampon when you are not on your period, you may want to use a water-based lubricant to make insertion more comfortable. Remember to remove the tampon within eight hours, just as you would when using tampons for your period.

Consider Medical Treatments

When LBL is more than an occasional problem or you experience larger volumes of urine leakage, medical treatments are the best approach. Some procedures are non-surgical, such as medications, which can help strengthen the bladder muscles. If LBL is caused by prolapse of your bladder or uterus, you will need surgery to implant a support. The support helps keep the bladder and/or uterus in the appropriate position and alleviates the pressure causing LBL.

Many mild cases of LBL can be managed on your own and may not be a continuous problem. If you experience significant urinary leakage, it is time to consider which medical treatments may be right for your situation. For more information, contact a urogynecologist in your area.

4 November 2015