Does Stress Increase Problems with Urinary Incontinence?
National Institutes of Health, Reviews in Urology, reports that substantial numbers of men are impacted by incontinence. Despite the prevalence of urinary incontinence among men, having such a diagnosis can lead to feelings of shame, depression, anxiety, isolation and stress. Ironically, the stress of managing bladder incontinence can increase problems. Dig deeper into the matter of stress and urinary incontinence in our article below.
Stress and Urinary Incontinence:
Stress is Correlated with Increased Problems with Urinary Incontinence
Researchers Henry Lai, Vivien Gardener and others, published a study related article titled “Correlation between psychological stress levels and the severity of overactive bladder symptoms.” The 2015 article reports there is a positive correlation between perceived stress levels and urinary incontinence symptoms, and its impacts on quality of life among patients with overactive bladder.
What is Overactive Bladder or OAB?
Overactive bladder is likely the reason you feel frequent urges to urinate, even when your bladder is not full. Often the culprit is an enlarged prostate. The bladder involuntarily contracts, causing the need to void. OAB can be quite stressful in that it prompts frequent bathroom trips during the day and at night, which disrupts normal sleep patterns. OAB may also lead to accidents when you can’t make it to the bathroom in time.
Managing OAB
Strategies such as double voiding (urinate, wait a few minutes and try urinating again to fully empty your bladder) and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises can be effective ways to manage OAB. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes also contribute to OAB. Additional strategies like getting diabetes under control, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can also help.
Talk to Your Doctor
Bladder incontinence is a common problem. There are many solutions available to help you reclaim your independence and relieve the stress associated with the worry and embarrassment of incontinence. Your doctor may recommend some of the behavioral changes listed above. He or she may also prescribe medication or a medical device such as Men’s Liberty.
What is Men’s Liberty?
Men’s Liberty provides discreet, worry free protection against leaks and accidents. In fact, our alternative to the external male catheter is your stress free solution to urinary incontinence. Covered by almost every insurance plan including Medicare, TriCare and the VA, Men’s Liberty eliminates the awkwardness of adult diapers. Return to a normal, active lifestyle without constant worry. Men’s Liberty provides protection that lasts up to 24 hours with low-risk of infection. If urinary incontinence is causing stress and disruption for you, Men’s Liberty may be the answer. Give us a call today to learn if Men’s Liberty is right for you.