Causes and Reasons for Female Incontinence
When it comes to incontinence, many consider it the elephant in the room. After all, no one wants to admit to having it, yet many experience the symptoms of incontinence on a daily basis. Also known as a leaky bladder, incontinence can lead to unexpected bladder leakage.
For women especially, discussing incontinence can lead to feelings of embarrassment or discomfort. However, developing a leaky bladder is a perfectly normal occurrence. So today, let’s remove some of the stigmas and directly address what might be causing your female incontinence.
Is Incontinence Only A Problem for Women?
Although incontinence can affect both men and women, there are a variety of reasons why stress incontinence may be more commonly seen in women. In addition to the causes that affect everyone such as age, urinary tract blockages, some chronic diseases, and activities that put stress on the bladder, causes of female incontinence may include:
- Pregnancy – Changes in the body’s hormones, combined with the weight of the fetus can lead to incontinence in pregnant women that remains problematic after giving birth.
- Childbirth – Vaginal delivery may result in a prolapsed pelvic floor. Women who experience this are at a greater risk for developing incontinence.
- Menopause – The hormone estrogen helps maintain the health of the lining of the bladder and urethra. After menopause, women produce less estrogen, which can lead to bladder leakage.
- Hysterectomy – Surgeries that address a woman’s reproductive system are likely to damage the supporting pelvic floor muscles. Weakened pelvic floor muscles are then likely to contribute to incontinence.
Can Female Incontinence Be Treated?
Fortunately, female incontinence can be effectively addressed, so that you can laugh, sneeze, cough and go through life without having to worry about urine stains on your clothing. At North Cypress Women’s Center, Dr. Imtiaz has years of experience helping women regain control over their bladder.
If you have been struggling with embarrassment or shame over your incontinence, rest assured we are here to help. Our team is skilled at working with you, to ensure you feel supported and understood. There is no reason to suffer from a leaky bladder any longer. If you have questions and are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact us.