What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the unintended loss of urine and it is estimated that it affects about 12 million Americans. Incontinence more commonly affects women than men. It can be a problem at any age but is more prevalent with the older population with at least 1 in 10 people age 65 or older reporting issues with involuntary loss of urine. Although incontinence is quite common and there are numerous treatment options, many people with bladder control issues don’t seek medical advice due to embarrassment. We would like to offer you a safe, comfortable space to seek help!
Four major types of urinary incontinence:
Urge Incontinence: Characterized by an abrupt, strong urge to urinate.
Stress Incontinence: When there is a loss of urine immediately after a cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise, heavy lifting or other activity that increases the pressure on the lower muscles and bladder.
Overflow Incontinence: Characterized by a feeling of bladder fullness and frequent dribbling of urine due to a constantly full bladder.
Functional Incontinence: people with normal bladder control; however, due to restrictions in personal mobility they can’t get to the toilet on time.
Factors that increase a person’s risk of experiencing incontinence include:
- Female gender
- Prolapse of the bladder
- Imbalance in the muscles and connective tissue in the pelvic floor
- Abdominal or pelvic surgeries including hysterectomy and C-section
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Pelvic radiotherapy
- Advancing age
- Medications with side effects of urinary incontinence
Naturopathic Therapies for Urinary Incontinence
Arvigo abdominal therapy & pelvic floor balancing: The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy in addition to exercises specific to balancing the structure of one’s pelvic floor are very helpful at addressing urinary incontinence. These therapies help incontinence by correcting prolapse of the bladder and restoring balance of the pelvic floor. These therapies can be especially helpful for patients who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse, issues since child birth and after any pelvic surgery including hysterectomy or C-section. For more information about Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy please see our website link called Arvigo Techniques for more information.
Topical hormone replacement therapy: Applying topical Estriol cream to the vaginal tissue can assist some menopausal women with urinary incontinence. As a women goes through menopause, estrogen levels lower. Having a lower amount of estrogen in the body can lead to urinary leakage. By delivering a small amount of estrogen to the vaginal area, urinary leakage can be minimized.
Dr. Mercer specializes in women’s health and offers Arvigo therapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation exercises and hormone balancing options to her patients. Call today!