Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
Related to Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Incontinence in Women
Treatments for Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
Copyright © 2010 Woodbury Health Products. All rights reserved.

1-800-777-1111
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm EST
The muscles of the pelvic floor help to support the organs in the body contribute to sexual functioning/pleasure, and help support the upright posture.

These muscles form a basket of resilient tissue that looks woven and surrounds the anus, vagina, and urethra in a figure-8 pattern and attaches to the clitoris and the body structures of the pelvis by ligaments.
The majority of American women are weak in the pelvic area and have been using the muscles of the pelvic floor incorrectly since childhood. The reasons for this are varied, but may partially be caused by our exertion. The current trend of general fitness exercise does not affect women's pelvises in a beneficial manner.
Because the condition of the sphincter which surrounds the urethra and vagina is so often poor in women, concentrating on it on this forum makes sense. However, these muscles work together with others, and pelvic health is indicated by the strength and resiliency of the entire system of muscles, made up by the abdominals, the muscles of the lower back and the muscles of the pelvic floor - the pubococcygeal, or PC muscles.
Dr. Arnold Kegel developed Kegel Exercises to help women with problems controlling urination. Exercises similar to these as well as many others come from sexual-religious practices in Asia and from hula and belly-dancing. These, in particular, are designed to strengthen and give voluntary control of the PC muscle.

Some conditions caused by weak pelvic muscles can lead to surgery and include urinary stress incontinence and uterine prolapse. Other conditions that are improved by strengthening these muscles are menstrual pain, conception difficulties, lower back pain, difficulties during menopause, reduced or absent sexual feelings, difficult childbirth, and slow postpartum recovery.

Most bladder control problems can be improved or cured with appropriate treatment.

Tips on how to decrease or cure stress incontinence:

  • Kegel exercises really do strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. However, most women do not perform them properly. Learn how to do them correctly and be diligent in your exercises for 2-4 weeks.
  • Modify your diet so you are consuming bladder-friendly foods and fluids.
  • Talk to your doctor or continence nurse specialist about the use of a removable device called a pessary. This is inserted into the vagina and helps put pressure on the urethra, thereby reducing stress incontinence.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse about medication options.Some of the medications for incontinence on do have side effects that aren't always pleasant. Be aware of your body while starting a new medication for incontinence.
  • Discuss surgical options if exercise and/or medication doesn't work for your incontinence. Certain surgeries can help move the bladder into a normal position of support and decrease or cure incontinence.

Tips on how to decrease or cure urge incontinence:

  • Consider bladder re-training, which will help you increase the time you wait before you have to empty your bladder.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse about medication options.
  • Discuss a timed bladder program that will help you get on a reasonable schedule at set times.
  • Modify your diet so you are consuming bladder-friendly foods and fluids.