Wondering? Questions About Healthy Aging: Urinary Incontinence

From the 2011 Fall Senior Circle publication

Q: I’m so embarrassed. Sometimes I have to go and can hardly make it to the bathroom without peeing my pants. What can I do?

A: “I see many patients with this same complaint,” said Namir Shaba, DO, urologist with Lakeshore Urology. “Just because this is common, people shouldn’t accept it as a natural process of aging.” Shaba explains that this form of incontinence could be due to many causes, including an infection, overactive bladder, cystocele (a dropped bladder) in women, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, or a number of other anatomical changes. According to Shaba, the first step is to get a urinalysis and have a good pelvic exam, both of which your primary physician can perform. If you need further evaluation, your physician may send you to a urologist. Infections can be treated with antibiotics, an overactive bladder can usually be treated by medication, and other anatomical changes can be repaired through surgery to restore normal function.

“Lifestyle changes and physical therapy with biofeedback can also be effective in treating incontinence issues,” said Shaba. “There’s no reason to suffer silently with bladder control issues. There are many options for treatment, and incontinence is more than inconvenient. Accidents can lead to rashes and infection, and avoiding interaction contributes to weight problems and health problems such as diabetes and depression. See your doctor to learn the cause of your problem and find a solution.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Shaba, call Lakeshore Urology at 219.263.7700. Dr. Shaba is a member of the medical staff at Porter.

Drink Water Wisely To Reduce Urinary Incontinence

To control an overactive bladder, Dr. Namir Shaba suggests some small adjustments that may help. But remember to consult your doctor before making drastic changes.

• Sip water throughout the day rather than gulping down a lot at one time.
  
• Drink plain water when you’re thirsty, from four to eight, 8-ounce glasses a day. You’ll know you’re drinking enough if your urine is light yellow or almost colorless.
  
• Cut out the caffeine, which is a stimulant. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, which means it causes you to urinate more.
  
• If you’re waking up to urinate more than twice a night, try limiting how much you drink two to three hours before bedtime.
  
• Consider eliminating smoking and alcohol.
  
• Certain types of food may irritate or trigger overactive bladder. Try reducing acidic foods such as tomato-based and highly spiced foods as well as fruit and fruit juices.
  
• Talk to your doctor about any diuretics or other medications that may be increasing your need to use the bathroom or aggravating incontinence.