If you pee a little when you laugh or cough, or you get a sudden urge to go and then drip before you can make it to the restroom, you have something in common with as many as half of women 50 and older: urinary incontinence (UI). Pregnancy, menopause, and plain old aging can cause weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which is the most common cause of UI. We asked the experts to weigh in on products designed to help.
PESSARIES
WHAT THEY ARE: Devices that sit in the vagina and provide support they are usually intended for vaginal prolapse but can also be used for incontinence. Some require a doctor visit to find the right fit. Pessaries meant for incontinence provide extra support under the urethra to "seal" it so urine won't leak out. Some over-the-counter options are made of reusable silicone or plastic, while others are disposable.
This story is from the July 2022 edition of Prevention US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2022 edition of Prevention US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STAY-FULL FUEL
Perfect nutrient pairings keep you satisfied longer.
No, You Are NOT LAZY!
LISTEN, I'M THE FIRST PERSON TO BE HARD ON MYSELF.
8 Ways to AMP UP Your Motivation
NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK, try one or two of these expert-approved strategies to help you shore up your motivation to accomplish any goal.
When You Just DON'T WANNA
WE ALL KNOW WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING: cleaning out the closet, hitting the treadmill, getting that résumé done, [fill in your ugh task here].
SHOULD YOU BREAK UP WITH YOUR DOCTOR?
Maybe it is them. Even a good doctor-patient relationship sometimes runs its course. Here's when you should consider moving on for better health.
Getting surgery?
BEFORE YOU GO IN, TRY THESE FIVE THINGS FOR A SMOOTHER RECOVERY.
MY DIAGNOSIS Why Did I Always Hurt-Everywhere?
Her doc didn't believe her, and she had no time or money to search for a new one, so this working mom lived in pain for years.
THE DOCTOR IS IN The Truth About IUDs
The benefits of these small but mighty devices go beyond birth control.
WHAT'S UP WITH...BAD BREATH
If everything (and everyone) starts to wilt when you open your mouth, here's how to freshen things up.
Healthy Up Your Home
Milk and eggs aren't the only things with an expiration date.
