All posts by : artem

Bladder leakage. Odds are, you may experience it. But do you know why it happens or how to treat it? Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. When suffering from incontinence, bladder leakage severity can range from occasionally leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising to getting such strong and sudden urges that you are not able to make it to the bathroom in time. While incontinence is quite common, it is certainly not normal, nor is it something you have to live with. Not to mention, it is expensive to manage and can significantly impact your everyday life. Are you suffering from incontinence and not sure how to find relief? Here are five things you should know about bladder leakage to help you take action and regain control.

1. You’re not alone. Incontinence is common.

While it can feel quite lonely and isolating, incontinence is very common. Although men do suffer from incontinence, it affects twice as many women as men. This is due to reproductive health events unique to women, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, that affect the bladder and muscles that support it. Urinary incontinence can happen to women at any age but is more common in older women. Almost 20% of women ages 49-50 struggle with bladder problems, and more than 4 in 10 women ages 65 and older have urinary incontinence. Again, this condition is common but not normal, nor something you should live with. There are treatment options available for all levels of severity.

2. There are three categories of causes of incontinence.

Incontinence is a symptom of everyday habits, underlying medical conditions, or physical problems. Women may be experiencing incontinence due to temporary medical problems or could be experiencing it as a chronic condition. There are three main categories of incontinence:

Temporary Causes – This category includes things like medications, too much caffeine, or muscle relaxants that may be causing bladder leakage.

Medical Conditions – In this case, bladder leakage is caused by medical problems such as urinary tract infections or constipation.

Persistent Incontinence – Persistent incontinence causes include significant changes to one’s body, like pregnancy, aging, or a hysterectomy.

3. Incontinence negatively impacts your life.

Incontinence can negatively affect your social life, work life, and wallet. In fact, the average woman with incontinence spends $900 a year buying products to help deal with it. Dealing with incontinence can create difficulties in maintaining relationships. 60% of women who suffer from incontinence have reported that they avoid even leaving their own homes. 20% of women have reported quitting physical activities due to bladder leakage. Incontinence can also have a massive impact on sleep. Studies found that between 20-44% of women of reproductive age and 75% of women over 70 years old experience at least one void per night. These nighttime voids and bathroom trips reduce sleep, and a loss of sleep can lead to a loss of mental clarity. Luckily, incontinence is treatable and not something you have to live with for the rest of your life.

4. Incontinence is NOT normal.

Bladder leakage is not normal. It’s not normal in younger women or a normal part of aging. It can be treated—you don’t have to live with incontinence for the rest of your life. There are a variety of exercises and treatments to address different types of incontinence and bladder leakage. You don’t have to miss out on laughing, jumping, exercising, traveling, or working because of incontinence.

5. Treatment options are available.

Your personal treatment plan will depend on the type of incontinence you’re experiencing. It’s important to talk with your doctor about the options available to treat bladder leakage and find which works best for your body. Treatment options include, but aren’t limited to:

Behavior techniques such as bladder training, scheduling bathroom trips, and diet management

Pelvic floor exercises such as Kegels

Medications

Medical devices, such as a pessary

Surgery, including non-mesh insert options

If your urinary incontinence is frequent or becoming more frequent, it’s essential to find a time to speak with a doctor. Don’t let incontinence restrict your activities or lower the quality of your life. It’s good to get help sooner rather than later. In some cases, incontinence can be a sign of an underlying condition.

In today’s fast-paced world, many women face a unique set of stressors and challenges that can impact their mental health. From balancing work and family responsibilities to dealing with societal pressures and personal expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One powerful tool that can help manage these stressors and promote mental well-being is mindfulness meditation.

Understanding Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a technique that involves centering your awareness on the present moment, while peacefully observing and accepting your emotions, thoughts and bodily sensations. This practice has roots in ancient traditions but has gained substantial scientific backing in recent years for its mental health benefits.

Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation for Women

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Mindfulness meditation helps activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Regular practice can help women manage daily stressors more effectively, leading to a calmer and more balanced life.
Improves Emotional Regulation: By increasing awareness of thoughts and emotions, mindfulness meditation enables women to respond to emotional challenges with greater clarity and composure. This can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with mood swings or emotional turbulence.
Enhances Focus and Concentration: Mindfulness meditation trains the mind to stay focused on the present moment, improving attention and cognitive function. This can be especially helpful for women juggling multiple responsibilities and needing to maintain high levels of concentration.
Promotes Better Sleep: Stress and anxiety are common culprits of sleep disturbances. Mindfulness meditation encourages relaxation and helps calm the mind, leading to improved sleep quality and duration.
Supports Physical Health: The mind and body are deeply interconnected. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, mindfulness meditation can also contribute to lower blood pressure, improved immune function and reduced symptoms of chronic pain.
Fosters Self-Compassion: Women often face intense self-criticism and high expectations. Mindfulness meditation encourages self-compassion, helping women treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would offer to a friend.
Boosts Overall Well-Being: Regular practice of mindfulness meditation has been shown to increase feelings of happiness, contentment and overall well-being. It helps create a positive outlook on life and fosters resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Get Started with Mindfulness Meditation

Starting a mindfulness meditation practice can be simple and doesn’t require any special equipment. Let’s explore a handful of strategies to kickstart your journey:

Find a Quiet Space: Select a peaceful and comfortable location where you can remain undisturbed.
Set a Time: Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice. Maintaining a routine is important, so try to practice meditation at the same time every day.
Focus on Your Breath: Find a comfortable position and gently close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, and then allow your breathing to settle into its natural rhythm. Concentrate on the feeling of your breath as it flows in and out of your nostrils or the movement of your chest rising and falling.
Notice Your Thoughts: As you meditate, you will notice thoughts entering your mind. Rather than trying to push them away, simply acknowledge them and gently bring your focus back to your breath. This practice helps train your mind to remain present.
Practice Patience: It’s normal for your mind to wander during meditation. Be patient with yourself and understand that it takes time to develop mindfulness skills.
Explore Guided Meditations: If you’re new to mindfulness meditation, guided meditations can be very helpful. There are many apps and online resources that offer free guided sessions to help you get started.

Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Life

Beyond formal meditation sessions, mindfulness can be integrated into everyday activities. Here are some simple ways to practice mindfulness throughout your day:

Mindful Eating: Be mindful of the flavor, consistency and fragrance of your food. Eat slowly and savor each bite.
Mindful Walking: Direct your attention to the feeling of your feet making contact with the ground and the cadence of your footsteps.
Mindful Listening: When conversing with others, give them your full attention. Listen without interrupting and be present in the moment.

1. If someone in your family has breast cancer, you’ll get it, too.

False. Recent data suggest that only 5% to 10% of cancers are familial or hereditary. If someone in your family was diagnosed with familial or hereditary cancer, then you must be proactive about screening for cancer. New advances in biomarker testing, such as for BRCA1/2 mutations, offer more targeted insights for those with a family history. Still, most breast cancers occur without a family history.

2. If no one in your family has cancer, you are risk-free.

False. Unfortunately, 40% of men and women diagnosed with cancer have no family history of cancer. There’s no “get out of cancer free” card.

3. Women have a 1 in 8 chance that they will develop breast cancer.

True. Sadly, 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer. That’s why it’s so important to get your annual mammogram and report any lumps to your doctor.

4. All lumps in the breast are cancerous.

False. Most of the time, lumps in the breast are caused by harmless cysts and other natural breast changes. However, report all lumps to your doctor. Early diagnosis is the best defense against breast cancer.

5. Having smaller breasts reduces your risk of breast cancer.

False. There is no connection between breast cancer and the size of your breasts.

6. You don’t need to worry about breast cancer until you’re older.

True/False. It’s recommended that women 40 and over have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women between 45 and 65 are encouraged to prioritize yearly screenings. At your annual physical, your doctor can check for any suspicious lumps in your breasts. New technologies, like 3D mammograms, can detect more minor abnormalities at earlier stages, increasing survival rates. If your family has a history of cancer at a young age, your doctor might recommend mammograms starting at a younger age.

7. Breast cancer is preventable.

False. Breast cancer isn’t preventable. Reducing alcohol consumption, losing weight, and getting regular exercise can help lower your risk of a cancer diagnosis, however.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Unlike many other syndromes, PCOS isn’t usually diagnosed with one quick trip to the doctor’s office. PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a genetic, hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of childbearing age (15-44 years old). Unfortunately, existing information and studies around the condition are often misunderstood, making PCOS an under-diagnosed condition. PCOS dramatically affects women’s health and leaves them to face several different challenges. Even though girls as young as 11 years old have been found to have PCOS, usually women aren’t diagnosed until their 20s or 30s. It’s never too early or too late to receive a diagnosis for PCOS. Understanding the condition and advocating for your health is the key to getting proper treatment. We are here to provide you with the education and support needed to do so. Read on to learn more about PCOS, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What exactly is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by an imbalance of hormones. Three hormones play a role in PCOS. Androgens are often called male hormones, but women have them too. Women with PCOS tend to have a higher level of androgens. Insulin manages blood sugar. Those with PCOS might not react to insulin the way it should. Women with PCOS may not have enough progesterone hormone, which causes missed periods. This imbalance of hormones creates a problem in the ovaries, causing them to develop many small follicles. With PCOS, the egg doesn’t mature or may not release during ovulation as it should. PCOS infertility is the most common and most treatable form of female infertility.

PCOS Symptoms

PCOS symptoms look different for everyone because PCOS affects every woman differently. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Missed or irregular periods

Acne

Excess body hair

Weight gain

Pelvic pain

Thinning hair on the scalp

Skin tags

Darkening of the skin (specifically along the neck crease, groin, and beneath breasts)

Infertility

Again, it’s important to remember that not everyone with PCOS experiences all of these symptoms. For example, not everyone who is affected by PCOS will struggle with their weight, but women with the condition are more likely to be overweight. Weight struggles are common with PCOS due to the high levels of insulin and androgens.

What causes PCOS?

While the exact cause of PCOS is not known, experts believe that there are several factors, including genetics, that play a role. Women who are obese and women with a mother, sister, or aunt with PCOS may be at a higher risk of having the condition.

Urinary incontinence is a common problem that many women experience, particularly after childbirth or menopause.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 25% of young women, 44-57% of middle-aged and postmenopausal women, and up to 75% of older women experience urinary incontinence.

It can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition, causing many women to feel self-conscious and avoid social situations. Fortunately, there is a solution called Laparoscopic Burch surgery that can help eliminate urinary incontinence and give women their confidence back.

What is laparoscopic Burch surgery?

Laparoscopic Burch surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves placing sutures or stitches in the tissue near the bladder neck to provide support. This support helps to prevent urine leakage during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Unlike traditional surgery, laparoscopic Burch surgery is done through small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon uses a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera attached, to guide the procedure. This minimally invasive approach reduces scarring, pain, and recovery time compared to traditional surgery. It also avoids using mesh to support the bladder, like sling surgery, another form of treatment for urinary incontinence.

The benefits of laparoscopic Burch surgery.

Laparoscopic Burch surgery is considered the best option for incontinence in women for several reasons:

High Success Rate: Studies have shown that laparoscopic Burch surgery has a high success rate, with up to 90% of women experiencing significant reduction or complete resolution of their urinary incontinence symptoms.

Long-Term Solution: Laparoscopic Burch surgery provides a long-term solution to incontinence in women. Unlike other treatments like medication or pelvic floor exercises, laparoscopic Burch surgery offers permanent support to the bladder neck, reducing the risk of urine leakage.

Minimally Invasive: Laparoscopic Burch surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires smaller incisions, less anesthesia, and a shorter hospital stay. This leads to a quicker recovery time and less postoperative pain than traditional surgery.

Low Risk of Complications: Laparoscopic Burch surgery has a low risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. The procedure has been performed safely for many years with few adverse effects.

Improved Quality of Life: Laparoscopic Burch surgery can improve women’s quality of life by eliminating the embarrassment and discomfort associated with urinary incontinence. Women can engage in physical activities and social situations without fear of leakage, leading to a more fulfilling life.

If you’re considering laparoscopic Burch surgery for urinary incontinence, it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine if it’s the right option for you. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and medical history to determine if the procedure’s appropriate. They can also discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with you and any potential complications.

Menopause represents a natural milestone in a woman’s life, indicating the conclusion of her reproductive years. While this milestone is a normal part of aging, it often brings a range of symptoms that can impact quality of life.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around fifty one. It is characterized by the cessation of menstruation for twelve consecutive months, marking the end of a woman’s fertility. During menopause, hormonal changes, particularly a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

While every woman’s experience of menopause is unique, some common symptoms include:

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden, intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushing.
Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, often caused by night sweats or hormonal fluctuations.
Mood Swings: Mood changes, irritability, anxiety and depression may occur.
Vaginal Dryness: Lower estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, itching and discomfort during intercourse.
Changes in Libido: Decreased sex drive or changes in sexual response may occur.
Weight Gain: Hormonal changes can affect metabolism and lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
Bone Loss: Decreased estrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Tips for Managing Menopausal Symptoms Naturally

While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an option for managing menopausal symptoms, many women prefer natural approaches. Here are some tips for managing menopausal symptoms naturally:

Healthy Diet: Prioritize a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Incorporate foods high in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health. Reduce intake of caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods, as they can trigger hot flashes.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, weight gain and bone loss. Strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi to help manage mood swings and promote relaxation.
Stay Cool: Dress in layers and use fans or cool compresses to help manage hot flashes. Keep your bedroom cool and use moisture-wicking bedding to minimize night sweats.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
Herbal Remedies: Some women find relief from menopausal symptoms with herbal remedies such as black cohosh, red clover, or evening primrose oil. However, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider before trying any herbal supplements, as they can interact with medications or have side effects.
Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants: Use over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers or lubricants to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
Supportive Undergarments: Wear breathable, moisture-wicking undergarments to help manage night sweats and minimize skin irritation.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Practice pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, to help strengthen pelvic muscles and improve bladder control, which may be affected by hormonal changes.
Regular Health Screenings: Continue to see your healthcare provider regularly for preventive screenings and health assessments, including bone density testing to monitor for osteoporosis.