Health Tip: Coping With Urinary Incontinence

(HealthDay News) - Urinary incontinence affects millions of women, commonly after childbirth.

The National Women''s Health Information Center lists these non-surgical options to help control urinary incontinence:

• Perform Kegel exercises designed to make your pelvic muscles stronger.
• Set a schedule for emptying your bladder, instead of waiting until you have to go. Slowly increase the amount of time between trips to the bathroom.
• Maintain a healthy body weight, as excess weight can strain the bladder and surrounding muscles.
• Limit or avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
• Biofeedback may help you learn to better control the bladder and surrounding muscles.
• Prescription medication may help control some types of incontinence. Talk with your doctor about whether medication may work for you.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Jan. 25, 2008

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