About incontinence.

Get everything you need to know about urinary incontinence in The Accidental Sisterhood book! Here's an overview to get you started.

 

Incontinence is the accidental release of urine that often occurs with a cough, laugh, or sneeze. Patients can also experience sudden urges to go to the bathroom and can't get there in time. This is commonly referred to as overactive bladder (OAB). Incontinence is usually a problem with the pelvic floor muscles and nerves that regulate bladder control.

 

The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan can help you prevent and correct all of these issues. No woman should suffer from incontinence. Conservative therapies like those described in The Accidental Sisterhood book are the ideal first step towards treatment. Other options, such as medication, Medtronic InterStim Therapy or Renessa, are also available through your doctor.

 

There are three common types of urinary incontinence:

 

  • Stress Incontinence happens as a result of increased abdominal pressure, like coughing, sneezing, exercise, laughing or walking. Women commonly experience this after childbirth.  
  • Urge Incontinence, also known as overactive bladder (OAB), is urinary leakage due to a sudden bladder contraction. This is the sensation that you can't make it to the restroom in time.
  • Mixed Incontinence is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence, probably the most common form doctors see.

 

 

CAUSES
There are a number of causes for urinary incontinence, although it's exact cause can't always be determined with each person. In many cases weakness in the pelvic floor is inherited through generations. A few common reasons include:

 

  • Childbirth, weight gain, or any conditions that stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles
  • Over-activity of the bladder, which may be due to bladder irritants such as caffeine or spicy food, emotional stress, or neurological problems
  • Menopause can also contribute to the problem

 

 

TREATMENT
All of the many treatments for incontinence are detailed in The Accidental Sisterhood book. Treatments include both non-surgical and surgical options.

 

For stress incontinence, possible treatments include:

 

  • Pelvic muscle rehabilitation, including the comprehensive program of six exercises featured in The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan.
  • A pessary – a small ring that is inserted into the vagina – can provide relief from stress incontinence and prolapse.
  • Many surgical options are available for stress incontinence and are discussed in The Accidental Sisterhood book.

 

For overactive bladder, urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence, possible treatments include:

 

  • Pelvic muscle rehabilitation, including the comprehensive program of six exercises featured in The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan.
  • Medications are available to control those sudden bladder contractions. In addition to pill form, these medications are available in a patch.
  • When other therapies for overactive bladder and/or urge incontinence fail, a surgical option such as Medtronic InterStim Therapy (simply put, a pacemaker for the bladder), can be placed to control symptoms related to OAB.

 

Always remember urinary incontinence and overactive bladder are not normal and you should see a health-care professional to address the problem.

 

An initial evaluation by your doctor should include, at a minimum, an assessment of the symptoms, a physical examination, including a pelvic exam and a urinalysis to check for blood and infection.

 

You can start The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan anytime!

 

 

PREVENTION
A complete pelvic floor exercise program is the best way to prevent urinary incontinence, which often results from weak pelvic floor muscles and bad bladder habits.

 

The Accidental Sisterhood Progressive Plan details two primary types of pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and four assisting exercises to help you target all the muscles of the pelvic floor and lower abdominals. You can do your kegels anywhere – in the car, at your desk or during sex! The Sisterhood DVD features an 8-minute at-home training session with our physical therapist, Jennifer Heisel Mangano, to help you stay motivated and focused.

 

It's also important to maintain a healthy weight, avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, and avoid smoking cigarettes.

 

Find out firsthand how The Accidental Sisterhood Book and Progressive Plan can help you prevent and overcome incontinence!

 

“I love walking past the incontinence isle in the grocery store without a second glance. This program has changed my life!”