Are you constantly searching for the nearest bathroom? Frequent urination can be a sign of an underlying issue.
If you leak urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing or high-impact activity, you may be suffering from Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). SUI can have serious consequences for your quality of life.
A doctor can diagnose SUI with a urodynamic test. To help determine a treatment plan, try keeping a peeing log.
The Dangers of Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a bladder condition that causes sudden leaks of urine when there’s an increase in belly pressure, like when you cough, laugh or exercise. This type of bladder leakage is embarrassing and can affect a woman’s sex life.
Those who are overweight have a higher risk of suffering from SUI because extra weight puts more pressure on the bladder and pelvic muscles. This can weaken these muscles, which then leads to bladder leakage when coughing or sneezing.
Other risk factors for SUI include a history of pelvic surgery, such as a hysterectomy or prostate surgery; age, as the sphincter and pelvic muscles can get weaker over time; and certain diseases and conditions, including diabetes, spinal cord injury and chronic cough.
What Causes SUI?
SUI develops when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra weaken. Weakness can occur after childbirth, and can also be caused by chronic coughing, high-impact exercise and aging. The muscles can become over-extended or the sphincter can descend during bursts of activity, increasing abdominal pressure and leading to leakage.
Some foods and drinks can irritate the bladder and make leaks and other symptoms worse. Avoid acidic foods like salsa, curry, cranberry juice and citrus fruits.
Drinking too much water can cause the bladder to fill too quickly, causing frequent urination. It’s better to sip six to eight glasses of fluid throughout the day, rather than chugging large amounts at one time. This will help you stay hydrated and prevent over-full bladders, which can lead to UTIs.
Avoid Holding It
You may be familiar with friends who say they go to the loo “just in case.” While there is no harm in going “just in case” once in a while, doing it regularly can train your bladder not to recognize its fullness signals.
The more time urine stays in the bladder, the more space for bacteria to grow. This can cause bladder irritation and a higher risk of infections, especially for those who already have a history of urinary tract issues.
Additionally, peeing too frequently can make the bladder stretch and it can become difficult for the muscle to contract and release urine. It can also lead to a higher likelihood of developing stress incontinence. This is because the bladder muscle will become weak over time.
Avoid Peeing to Frequently
If you’re going to the bathroom eight or more times a day and it’s affecting your work, social life, mood and sleep, it might be time to see a urologist. Often, frequent urination is just a normal part of growing older, but it can also be a sign of an infection or underlying conditions such as diabetes and bladder stones.
Your doctor will recommend a number of lifestyle changes to help you regain control of your bladder. This could include changing your diet to avoid foods that make leaks worse, doing kegel exercises regularly and drinking water throughout the day instead of at night (if you take a diuretic). It’s also important to wear cotton underwear and not put pressure on your bladder.
How AMS 800 Can Treat SUI
The AMS 800, a revolutionary medical device, offers renewed hope for those struggling with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). SUI, a common condition primarily affecting women, occurs when physical stressors like coughing, laughing, or lifting lead to unintended urinary leakage. This condition can profoundly impact one's quality of life, causing embarrassment and limiting daily activities.
The AMS 800 functions as an artificial urinary sphincter, mimicking the natural mechanism that controls the flow of urine. Consisting of three key components—an inflatable cuff, a pressure-regulating balloon, and a control pump—this remarkable implant is discreetly positioned within the body.
When activated by a simple press of a concealed button, the cuff constricts, halting the flow of urine through the urethra. This action effectively prevents untimely leakage, granting the individual newfound confidence and freedom. The AMS 800 is customizable to the patient's unique needs, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality.
With its remarkable success rates and minimal invasiveness, the AMS 800 has revolutionized the treatment of SUI, restoring dignity and normalcy to countless lives. This cutting-edge technology represents a beacon of hope for those who have endured the challenges of SUI, offering a path towards a life unburdened by the limitations of this condition.
