Misleading Myths About Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence in women is a common disorder, but not many have the heart to share this predicament with their loved ones or seek treatment. The McAllen gynecology specialists at the Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley offer a safe and confidential environment to help you discuss your issues and get the treatment you deserve.

What you should know about urinary incontinence

It is the loss of bladder control, causing urine to leak out. The severity of this condition ranges from leaking urine when sneezing or coughing to having a sudden and intense urge to urinate such that you don’t make it to the washroom in time. Although it is more prevalent in older adults, urinary incontinence can also affect younger people. The team at the Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley offers treatment for several forms of urinary incontinence, including functional incontinence, overflow incontinence, stress incontinence, and urge incontinence. If urinary incontinence interferes with your daily activities or social life, inform your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Myths you shouldn’t believe about urinary incontinence

While there are several treatments for urinary incontinence, many women are hesitant to consider them because of the myths surrounding this disorder. Myths that shouldn’t discourage you from seeking treatment include:

• Urinary incontinence is an inevitable part of aging

While age is a major cause of this disorder, it doesn’t mean that leaking urine is an inevitable nuisance and that you shouldn’t seek treatment. As you age, your tissues weaken, but urinary incontinence is not a normal part of life. If you experience frequent urine leaks, inform your doctor immediately.

• Reducing fluid intake improves urinary incontinence.

You may think that reducing fluid intake will reduce your urge to urinate, but it only worsens your bladder problems. Medical experts recommend taking adequate water but not so much that your bladder can’t handle it. You may also need to avoid alcohol and caffeine as they may worsen your symptoms.

• There is no treatment for urinary incontinence.

Even though many women experience urinary incontinence as they get older, it doesn’t mean they must tolerate it for the rest of their lives. This disorder is not just a nuisance but a medical condition that needs medical intervention. The Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley team offers personalized treatments that focus on your unique needs.

• Surgery is the only effective treatment for urinary incontinence

After diagnosis, your provider may recommend conservative treatments before progressing to more aggressive options unless you have severe bladder issues. Many people hesitate to inform their doctors about their bladder issues for fear of undergoing surgery. Your doctor will try several non-invasive treatments before recommending surgery.

• A small bladder causes urinary incontinence.

Even though this myth may sound reasonable, the size of your bladder can never cause urinary incontinence. Whether you leak urine when sneezing or have a strong urge to urinate but don’t reach the washroom in time, your bladder size is not to blame.

The Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley specialists can help identify the root cause of your incontinence. Call the Women’s Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley office for diagnosis and treatment, or book an appointment online.