How to Handle Urinary Incontinence: Tips from a Gynecologist
The aging process brings with it any number of indignities. One of those is incontinence. People without the problem may look at incontinence as an inconvenience and not a serious ailment, and for mild problems that may be true. However, incontinence can develop into a major issue when it contributes to depression and even isolation.
We’ve been taught to control our urinary urges since we were tots. Some of us have had an “accident” when we were older because of nervousness or being out in cold weather, and if that has happened, we’ve never forgotten it. Therefore, discovering that we may be losing control of our urine in our adult years can be devastating.
To gain some professional insight into the common problem of urinary incontinence, HealthCentral conducted an email interview with Dr. Mary Lake Polan, who is a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine.
HealthCentral: Dr. Polan, could you explain the different types of incontinence that affect aging women?
Dr. Mary Polan: The two major types of incontinence are stress incontinence, which often occurs after a vaginal delivery or because a dropped bladder or genetically poor connective tissue. The second type is called urge incontinence and results from increasing age or a nerve problem. Both men and women can have urge incontinence which gives them a sudden and, for some, uncontrollable…
Continue reading on HealthCentral for more from this specialist on incontinence:
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