Bladder Leaks and what you can do about them

 

Bladder Leaks & What You Can Do About It 

The holiday season often brings together extended family- and, well, it also means that incontinence jokes tend to join the festivities as well! In case you haven’t heard, many mothers of the world have unwittingly joined a secret pelvic floor dysfunction club, often courtesy of childbirth. I was admitted seven years ago, even though I don't personally experience bladder leaks. Apparently, membership is assumed for us all.  This secret club is where the moms, aunts, older cousins  and grandmothers make private jokes and eye rolls about leaks, “oops moments” and not being able to jump on trampolines. Glamorous, right? And occasionally the whole family joins in on the joke whenever cousin Johnny breaks out his comedy routine and mom has to make a sprint to the bathroom.   

Why is this happening, you ask?

First, a bit of science.  Bladder leaks, medically known as urinary incontinence, affect millions of individuals worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the topic often remains shrouded in silence and embarrassment. You may not even realize this is a thing unless you’ve been accepted into this secret society.  But understanding the commonality, causes, and possibilities for treatment can significantly improve your quality of life…and the quality of grandma’s life as well!  We don’t have to live this way!  Urinary incontinence is symptom of a weakened system-a system you can strengthen and fix! 

How Common Are Bladder Leaks and Why Do They Occur?

Bladder leaks are more common than many might think. How else would all the jokes get started?  Factors such as age, childbirth, menopause, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle choices contribute to their occurrence. When the muscles of the pelvic floor weaken, sustain injury or become hypertonic (excessively tight), it can lead to urinary incontinence.  Stop here for a moment.  Notice how I mentioned that a weak OR too tight pelvic floor can lead to urinary incontinence?  This is an important factor to consider when thinking about how to treat pelvic floor dysfunction.  In simple terms, it means that kegels are NOT the answer to fixing a leaking bladder. Let’s delve into this later. 

Who Can Help Treat Bladder Leaks?

Understanding who can assist in treating bladder leaks is crucial. Seeking help from healthcare professionals specializing in pelvic floor health is recommended because every case is so individualized.  If you aren’t sure how to find a specialist, your PCP,  OB/Gyn or midwife can start on your journey to finding a correct diagnosis, treatment and recovery by offering a referral.     

• Primary Care Providers: Often the initial point of contact, they can assess the issue and provide guidance on further steps. They can essentially point you in the right direction for help but can’t diagnose or offer care themselves.  

• OB/GYN and Midwife: Similar to your PCP, this isn’t their area of expertise but they should be able to write you a referral or make a recommendation on how to get the help you need.

But What Do I Say?  Don't Be Embarrassed to Bring it Up!

Outside of the secret club, embarrassment often prevents individuals from seeking help. Remember, healthcare professionals are trained to handle such concerns with empathy and professionalism. Openly discussing bladder leaks with your healthcare provider is the first step towards finding a solution. 

*If you see a care provider and feel that they dismiss the issue, aren’t hearing you or attempting to “normalize it”, please seek a second opinion.  You may need to demand a referral in order to be seen by a more specialized professional.

When and How to Ask for a Referral

If you suspect issues related to bladder leaks, pelvic floor pain, pressure or things just feeling “off” down there, DO NOT hesitate to ask for a referral to a specialist. This can be initiated during routine check-ups or appointments. Express your concerns honestly, and your healthcare provider can hopefully guide you to the appropriate specialist for further evaluation.

These are the people that can be referred to to help you fix the problem: 

• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: These are specialized therapists who focus on exercises and techniques to strengthen or relax and/or relax the pelvic floor muscles. 

• Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapist: Assists in improving daily functions affected by pelvic floor dysfunction. 

• Pre and Postnatal Corrective Exercises Specialist (with an additional specialization in pelvic floor):  These specialists offer targeted exercises for women during and after pregnancy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.  They take a holistic, whole body approach and often work closely with Pelvic floor PT’s and OT’s to help you get back into life, your workouts and movements that you love.  

Tests/Exercises to Assess if You Could Benefit from Therapy

Performing simple tests or exercises can provide insights into whether seeking help from a pelvic floor PT, OT or Corrective Exercise Specialist is beneficial:

• 1. Kegel Exercises

• Part 1: As you exhale, close and lift the muscles that would stop the flow of urine and stop yourself from passing gas. If you can do this, it indicates some level of pelvic floor muscle control. 

• Do you remember my note from above?  The one about kegels not being the answer to all pelvic floor dysfunction?  Here’s the additional information that often gets left out of kegels.  

• Part 2:  As you inhale, can you FULLY release the contraction of your pelvic floor muscles?  If you can contract, but not relax, this could indicate a hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor. 

2. Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment: Lie down and try to contract the muscles around your anus, vagina (for women), or base of the penis (for men). A weakness or inability to sustain contraction might signify weakened pelvic floor muscles.

• 3. Squatting Test: Difficulty in squatting without leaning forward or feeling discomfort in the pelvic region might indicate potential pelvic floor issues.

Conclusion

Addressing bladder leaks isn't just about managing the physical symptom; it's about improving your overall well-being. Seeking help from a pelvic floor specialist, incorporating pelvic floor exercises, and working with someone providing specialized coaching can significantly enhance pelvic floor strength, functionality and your quality of life. You don’t have to live this way and the problem is fixable!  Don't let embarrassment hinder your pursuit of a confident, leak-free life.

As a pregnancy and postpartum coach, with additional certifications in pelvic floor health, I can offer customized programming if you are experiencing bladder leaks due to injury, stress, pregnancy, childbirth or related changes. Incorporating proper pelvic floor workouts and stretches, you can regain control and improve your quality of life. 

If your pelvic floor is producing symptoms due to being too tight, incorporating hypertonic pelvic floor exercises and stretches into your routine, you can address excessive muscle tightness and improve your pelvic floor health.

A little bit of education goes a long way.  Now that you have a better understanding of what’s happening, it’s time to stand up to the pelvic floor jokes and share with your friends and family that no one has to live this way!  There’s a solution.  All it takes is a proactive step towards addressing bladder leaks by seeking out a professional and embracing a life free from embarrassment and shame.  

Your health matters.  Your confidence matters. Your happiness and comfort matters.  Seeking help is the first step towards a solution.  I’m currently offering a FREE consultation to anyone  looking for guidance and advice, please click here to learn a little bit about me and set up a time to talk.