From Wendy Bumgardner,
Your Guide to Walking.
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Definition: A bladder control problem is ongoing difficulty in controlling when and how much urination occurs. Incontinence is so embarrassing that less than half of the cases are discussed with the patient's doctor, let alone with friends and relatives. It can lead to people reducing their walking and restricting their lifestyle.

Not Alone: This is not just a problem of older age. One out of four women aged 30 - 60 have bladder control problems and one out of 17 men do. Even for those under age 30 the problem hits one out of 6 women and one out of 12 men.

Common Causes: Childbirth and pelvic surgery can cause your abdominal structures to rearrange in ways that lead to incontinence. Menopause may also bring on incontinence as the lack of estrogen weakens the urethra and bladder walls. For men, prostate surgery or enlarged prostate can lead to bladder control problems.

Prevention

• All women should do kegel exercises daily.
• Avoid urethral and bladder irritants: caffeine, alcohol, tobacco.
• Avoid diuretics: water pills, antidepressants, antihistamines and cough/cold preparations including herbal supplements such as ma huang.

Treatment: The treatments and solutions available today are numerous and growing. You don't need to suffer in silence or think the only solution is adult diapers. There are many clever devices and treatments available so you don't have to give up walking and other activities.

Next page >> Just gotta go too often/wrong time

More Sensitive Subjects for Walkers
• Runner's trots
• Stomach upset
• Bladder control
• Urinary frequency
• No toilets
• Menstrual concerns
• Chafing
• Bra problems
• Sore nipples
• Jock itch
• Getting lost
• Itchy legs
• Anxiety and Panic
• Links and Discussion

More Information
• Urinary Incontinence