Urinary Incontinence

“Little leaks sink the ship.” – Benjamin Franklin

Loss of bladder control, also known as urinary incontinence, is common among older adults but can really get in the way of your daily life. It usually doesn’t cause major health problem however prolonged incontinence can lead to urinary tract infections and other health issues. That’s why it’s important to discuss it with your PCP.

Close up of a hand holding two pills.

Types of Incontinence

  • Stress incontinence – This is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women but can also occur in men after prostate surgery.
  • Urgency incontinence – Also called overactive bladder, urgency incontinence occurs when the urge to urinate comes on quickly and strongly.
  • Reflex incontinence – This is sometimes caused by nerve damage which makes the bladder contract or reflex and can trigger urine leaking.
  • Overflow incontinence – This occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely and overflows when it’s too full.

Treatments

If you have urinary incontinence, your PCP may suggest these or other treatments to help you:

  • Train your bladder by using the bathroom on a regular schedule.
  • Try Kegel exercises to help. Squeeze the muscles you would use to stop urinating, hold for three seconds, and then relax for three seconds.
  • Exercise regularly (walking, hiking, swimming, and dancing are beneficial).
  • Don’t smoke, which raises your risk of stress incontinence. If you need help quitting, call our QuitLine at 1-866-845-7702.

At-home therapy with Bloom

Medical Mutual also offers you access to Bloom, which provides digital pelvic care at no additional cost to you. Bloom is designed to address pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as urinary incontinence and more. Find out more and enroll at join.hibloom.com/MedMutual.

Learn More

Learn more by visiting the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website.