Womens Blatter Leakage Myths

When women hear the phrase “bladder health,” they most likely think of all kinds of myths and misconceptions, especially leaking urine after sneezing, surgery, and Kegels, those exercises that can strengthen pelvic-floor muscles.

Here are some of the more popular myths—and then the whole truth:

Myth #1: If I start and stop my urine flow, such as in Kegel exercises, I will build better bladder muscles.

“Kegels are a good idea, but they shouldn’t be done during urination,” says Dr. Roger Goldberg, a urogynecological researcher at the Evanston Northwestern Healthcare near Chicago. “Women who repeatedly stop and start their urine stream can develop overactive bladder.”

Myth #2: A little leakage when I cough or sneeze is normal.

While it’s true that leakage is common, the feeling that bladder leakage is normal or inevitable is a misconception,” says Goldberg, who wrote Ever Since I Had My Baby: Understanding, Treating, and Preventing the Most Common Physical After-effects of Pregnancy and Childbirth. But, he adds, at least 96 percent of women with stress incontinence—the kind brought on by sneezing, coughing and other actions—can have their problem cured.

“It boils down to this: is it bothersome to the point where it affects your quality of life?” Goldberg says. “If so, there are many options for treatment.”

Myth #3: Bladder leakages only happen to elderly people.

Stress incontinence affects nearly 50 percent of women who have had children by the age of 40. Both stress incontinence and overactive bladder are highly pervasive, even in younger women.

Myth #4: If I do Kegels, I won’t have any problems, even when older.

“Every woman can benefit from Kegels, as stronger pelvic floor muscles decrease the risk of bladder leakage,” Goldberg says. “But for many women, Kegels are not enough to control the problem; they need a backup.”

Myth #5: You should always go to the bathroom when you first feel the urge “to go.”

Going just in case is fine in certain situations, but for many women, doing this on a regular basis can increase the risk of overactive bladder, with its symptoms of urge, frequency, or accidents on the way to the bathroom, Goldberg says.

“Spoiling your bladder this way can cause problems over the long run,” he says. “It’s better to void the normal amount, which is every three to four hours.”

Myth #6: If urinary incontinence poses a big problem, surgery is my best option.

“For some people, surgery is the best option, but it’s not the best choice for everyone,” Goldberg says. “It’s best to start with an accurate diagnosis to rule out other causes of incontinence. In severe cases, however, surgery can be the best option, but it depends on the results of bladder testing.”

Myth #7: I am the only woman in my 20’s, 30’s or 40’s who has this problem.

No you’re not. Many women in that age range have stress incontinence and overactive bladders, Goldburg says.

Myth #8: Pelvic exercises are useful only if you have bladder issues.

Not so. In addition to maintaining pelvic tone and health, strengthening the muscles in that area of the body also can improve sexual pleasure and help avoid pelvic prolapse, Goldberg explains.