1. Start a Diary
Approximately 17 million Americans suffer from bladder control problems including urinary incontinence. Overactive bladder affects 1 out of every 11 American adults, although only 20 percent of those affected seek treatment--seniors are often reluctant to seek advice. The good news is there are many effective treatments, both medical and non-medical that can help.
If you have questions about your bladder health, start a bladder diary. Track your input and output for two consecutive 24-hour periods. Record both day and night.
* Begin with first urination upon arising.
* Record intake amount in ounces and type of fluid (i.e., coffee, juice, water).
* Record approximate urine output and time of urination.
2. Test Yourself
Physicians at the University of Maryland offer this set of questions to determine if you have a bladder problem that should be checked out. In general, these questions help to highlight how often you have to go, if you have problems with leakage, ask what sort of treatment would be best for you. Any "yes" answer below should be noted in your diary and should be included in what you discuss with your doctor.
Do you frequently get up two or more times a night to go to the bathroom?
Do you urinate more than eight times in a 24-hour period?
Do you frequently have strong, sudden urges to urinate?
Do you have sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate that sometimes result in wetting accidents?
Does going to the bathroom so frequently interfere with the things that you want to do?
Does access to a bathroom, and knowing where the bathroom is at all times, determine where you go or what you can do?
Do you experience a loss of urine when you are performing physical activities such as lifting something heavy or exercising?
Do you sometimes experience a loss of urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh?
Do you have a burning sensation when you urinate?
Did your urinary control symptoms begin suddenly, rather than gradually?
3. Help Yourself
If you are having bladder control problems, you might benefit from simple changes in your diet or medications. Your medical provider may recommend special muscular exercises. Adjusting dietary habits and avoiding acidic and spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and other bladder irritants can help to prevent urinary leaking. Eat recommended amounts of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to avoid constipation. A combination of medications and bladder training can reduce many types of leakage.
