Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: Causes, Prevention & Effective Treatments

Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: Causes, Prevention & Effective Treatments
Image by Saranya7 from Pixabay

Understanding Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Stress urinary incontinence occurs when physical activities like coughing, sneezing, jumping, or lifting heavy objects put pressure on the bladder, causing unintentional urine leakage. 

This common condition affects millions of women worldwide, often leading to embarrassment and reduced quality of life. 

Understanding its causes and prevention strategies can help manage symptoms effectively.  

Why Women Are More Prone to SUI

Women experience SUI more frequently than men due to:  

- Shorter urethra length (easier for urine to escape)  

- Weakened pelvic floor muscles from childbirth, aging, or surgery  

- Hormonal changes during menopause reducing tissue elasticity  

- Chronic conditions like obesity or persistent cough  

5 Proven Ways to Prevent & Manage SUI

1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (Kegel Exercises)

How it helps: Strengthens muscles supporting the bladder and urethra.  

How to do it:

- Contract pelvic muscles (as if stopping urine flow) for 5-10 seconds  

- Relax for 5 seconds  

- Repeat 10-15 times, 3x daily  

Pro Tip: Use biofeedback devices or apps to ensure proper technique.  

2. Lifestyle Modifications

- Weight management: Excess weight increases abdominal pressure.  

- Quit smoking: Reduces chronic coughing, a major SUI trigger.  

- Limit bladder irritants: Caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods can worsen symptoms. 

Smoking is a major trigger for SUI
Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

3. Bladder Retraining

- Gradually increase time between bathroom visits (start with 30-minute intervals).  

- Helps improve bladder capacity and control.  

4. Supportive Devices

- Pessaries: Silicone rings inserted vaginally to support pelvic organs.  

- Absorbent products: Special underwear or pads for temporary protection.  

5. Medical & Surgical Options

- Medications: Topical estrogen for postmenopausal women.  

- Bulking agents: Injectable materials to thicken urethral tissues.  

- Surgery: Sling procedures or bladder neck suspension for severe cases.  

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if:  

- Leakage interferes with daily activities  

- You experience pain or recurrent UTIs  

- Symptoms worsen despite self-care  

Final Thoughts

SUI doesn’t have to limit your life. 

Simple exercises, healthy habits, and medical treatments can significantly improve symptoms. 

Start with Kegels today, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help for persistent issues.  

From Dr Pasindu 🥰

Stay happy stay healthy!

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Honeymoon Cystitis: Causes, Prevention and Effective Treatment for Post-Sex UTIs

Honeymoon Cystitis: Causes, Prevention and Effective Treatment for Post-Sex UTIs
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Understanding Honeymoon Cystitis

Honeymoon cystitis refers to urinary tract infections (UTIs) that frequently occur after sexual activity, particularly in women who are newly sexually active or resuming intercourse after a long period. 

This common condition earned its name because it often affects women during or after their honeymoon period.  

The primary cause involves bacteria being pushed into the urethra during intercourse. Women are especially vulnerable due to their shorter urethral length compared to men, allowing bacteria easier access to the bladder.  

Key Symptoms to Recognise

Women with honeymoon cystitis typically experience:  

- Burning sensation during urination  

- Frequent, urgent need to urinate with minimal output  

- Pelvic pressure or lower abdominal pain  

- Discomfort during sexual intercourse  

- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine  

Symptoms usually appear within 24-48 hours after sexual activity.  

6 Science-Backed Prevention Strategies of Honeymoon Cystitis 

1. Hydration Before and After Sex

Drinking 1-2 glasses of water or any rehydrating solution like coconut water or king coconut water etc. before intimacy and continuing to hydrate afterward helps:  

- Dilute urine concentration  

- Create a less favorable environment for bacterial growth  

- Promote frequent urination to flush out bacteria  

2. Urinate Immediately After Intercourse

Emptying your bladder within 30 minutes after sex serves as a natural flush for the urinary tract, significantly reducing infection risk.  

3. Practice Proper Hygiene Techniques

- Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements  

- Wash genital area before and after sex  

- Ensure partner maintains good genital hygiene  

- Avoid using harsh soaps or douches that disrupt natural flora  

4. Use Adequate Lubrication

Friction during sex can irritate the urethra. A water-based or silicone-based lubricant helps prevent microtears that allow bacterial entry.  

5. Strengthen Immune Defenses

A robust immune system better resists infections. Support yours by:  

- Eating probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir)  

- Maintaining vitamin C levels  

- Getting adequate sleep  

- Managing stress  

6. Consider Preventive Antibiotics (If Recurrent)

For women experiencing frequent episodes, doctors may prescribe:  

- Single-dose antibiotics to take after intercourse  

- Low-dose daily preventive antibiotics  

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult a healthcare provider if:  

- Symptoms persist beyond 48 hours  

- You develop fever or back pain (possible kidney infection)  

- UTIs recur more than 3 times yearly  

Diagnosis typically involves:  

- Urinalysis to check for bacteria and white blood cells  

- Urine culture to identify specific bacteria  

- Possibly imaging tests for recurrent cases  

Treatment usually consists of a 5-7 day antibiotic course. Phenazopyridine may be prescribed for symptom relief during the first 24 hours.  

Treatment usually consists of a 5-7 day antibiotic course
Image by F1 Digitals from Pixabay

Special Considerations

For Post-Menopausal Women:

Vaginal estrogen creams can help restore protective tissue and reduce UTI frequency.  

Alternative Options:

- D-mannose supplements (shows promise preventing E. coli adherence)  

- Cranberry products (may help some women)  

Final Thoughts

While honeymoon cystitis is frustrating, simple preventive measures can significantly reduce occurrences. By combining proper hygiene, hydration, and timely urination, most women can enjoy intimacy without discomfort. 

For persistent cases, modern medicine offers effective solutions to break the cycle of recurrent infections.  

Remember - occasional UTIs are common, but frequent episodes warrant medical evaluation to rule out underlying issues.  

From Dr Pasindu 🥰

Stay happy stay healthy!

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