When You 'Gotta Go': Get the Facts on Bladder Health

From pills to perfumes to protective pads, there’s no shortage of ads touting products aimed at helping women cope with “leaky pipes.” Many women think urinary incontinence simply comes with aging or they feel too embarrassed to ask a doctor about it. Sound familiar? There are a few simple things to know and do that can help.Urogynecologist Dr. Gunhilde Buchsbaum says it’s never too late—and rarely too soon—to take steps to protect your bladder health. Women of all ages should know that incontinence is not normal. Bladder problems can get worse if not treated.Let’s start by understanding the most common bladder complaints.Urine leakageFrequent or painful urinationBlood in urineWithout exception, if you find blood in your urine, contact your doctor.Urinary incontinenceDepending on the type and severity of your problem, help may include exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor (Kegel exercises); avoiding irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners; and developing new habits that help with the urge to go. In some cases, medication, nerve stimulation, or surgery may provide relief.Women should also learn to recognize the symptoms of urinary tract (bladder) infections. They may vary from person to person and become less obvious in elderly women. For example, a young woman usually has the classic symptoms: urgency, frequency, and pain with urinating. An older woman may notice fatigue, confusion, low backache, or perhaps an increase in urinary incontinence. Women of all ages should know that incontinence is not normal. Bladder leakage can get worse if not treated.The bottom line on bladder problems: There’s no need to suffer in silence. There are many tools available for evaluating and treating bladder problems in women.