How To Stop Bladder Leaks: Charleston Experts Explain Incontinence Treatments

In addition to her dramatic roles, Hollywood actress Meryl Streep is also believed to have coined the proverb, "aging isn't for the faint of heart." A classic beauty in her younger years, Streep noted that time takes its toll on everyone.

There are the parts of aging we joke about - the graying hair, fading eyesight, and forgetfulness. And then there are the parts we don't even talk about - like urinary incontinence.

Bladder leaks are a limiting fact of life for millions of Americans - or maybe they just haven't found the right treatment yet. You have options - even advanced ones - the specialists at Core Restore in Charleston explain.

Leaking the News

It's not commonly discussed, but rates of urinary incontinence in the United States are growing. This trend is driven by the nation's rising median age and its increases in obesity and diabetes rates, according to the National Institutes of Health. This limiting condition decreases the quality of life by interfering with social, physical, and psychological health.

Urinary incontinence is commonly considered a problem for aging females for whom pregnancy has weakened the pelvic floor. However, it affects men, too. Roughly 50 percent of adult women and 25 percent of adult men experience bladder leaks. The condition puts both at an increased risk for falls and fractures. But it doesn't have to stay this way.

Common Options

Kegels are the first line of defense that most doctors suggest. These exercises focus on contracting the pelvic floor, as if stopping a stream of urine, in both women and men. They're relatively effective, as long as muscle weakening isn't significant.

Once muscles have weakened severely, surgery is often thought to be the only alternative. A variety of techniques exist, including vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures. Between 80 and 90 percent of patients see symptom reduction. Recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks, with complete healing taking up to 3 months.

A new, FDA-approved High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Energy (HIFEM) therapy delivers a 95 percent customer satisfaction rate with its low-impact, non-invasive treatment. Designed for women and men 45 and older, the therapy delivers 11,200 supramaximal contractions per session, activating neurons that signal pelvic muscles to contract and rebuild supporting tissues. It treats both stress and urge incontinence, but is not approved for individuals with permanent metal implants.

Time for Treatment?

If you've gotten used to living with urinary incontinence, you may be wondering if treatment is worth pursuing. The specialists at Core Restore recommend therapy for anyone whose lifestyle is limited by bladder leakage, including:

• Mild to moderate urine leakage or dribbling while laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
• Frequent or sudden urges to urinate.
• Limiting socialization based on proximity to the bathroom.
• Waking up several times a night to go to the bathroom.
• Limited sexual activity or exercise.

Many consider urinary incontinence inevitable. And it may be, without treatment. But you have options, other than living out your days counting steps from the bathroom. Don't let bladder leaks limit your lifestyle. Explore your options and start living again.

Core Restore
City: Charleston
Address: 675 Saint Andrews Boulevard
Website: http://www.corerestorecenters.com
Phone: +1 986 267 3737
Email: ann@corerestorecenters.com