Getting help is not easy for people with urinary incontinence. Many of them would rather keep the problem to themselves than make time to set an appointment with a doctor. That way they don’t have to talk about their recurring episodes of urine leakage. But ignoring a bladder problem will not go away on its own. It has to be treated and treatments vary on the type of incontinence you are experiencing.
The first step to overcoming incontinence is acknowledging it. You have to realize that you are not alone in that situation. There are millions of people who are going through the same crisis. The good news is there are several people you can turn to for help. Here are some of them:
Primary Care Physician
Your primary care doctor is a good starting point as far as seeking help is concerned. S/he can make diagnosis based on your symptoms and lifestyle. S/he can offer recommendations or refer you to a specialist who can better handle your concerns.
Gynecologist
Stress incontinence, or the loss of urine when you exert pressure, is very common in women. It is likely to occur during pregnancy or after giving birth. So if you are in a family way or had just gone through childbirth do not hesitate to discuss with your gynecologist any incontinence symptoms you are having. S/he can help you understand why you are experiencing it and may provide suggestions on how to alleviate discomforts. Just like a primary care doctor, your gynecologist can refer you to a specialist who is more equipped to run a test on you.
Urologist
A urologist is a medical specialist that deals with problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. In men, the removal of prostate gland can cause stress incontinence. Similarly, prostate enlargement and prostate cancer can lead to a bladder problem. If you start experiencing urine leakage and your primary care cannot diagnose or treat it then you should see a urologist.
Psychiatrist
Urinary incontinence can take a toll on your emotional health. It could trigger feelings of embarrassment or guilt, and causes depression, low self-esteem and isolation. When left untreated, your quality of life may be challenged. Talking with a psychiatrist will be helpful in dealing with the nonphysical effects of incontinence. An experienced psychiatrist would be able to help you practice behavioral therapy which may improve your current situation.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are not only well-versed in dispensing prescription drugs, they can also provide you information about the medications you are taking that contribute to your urinary incontinence. Aside from that they can recommend over-the-counter products that can help you in properly managing your leakage.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction can provide preventive measures and treatment that are beneficial in resolving symptoms of urinary incontinence. They can perform biofeedback and teach you bladder training like Kegel exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Nutritionist
Certain foods can cause incontinence. If you are already experiencing symptoms related to it then it’s about time you take a look at what you are eating or drinking. A nutritionist can teach you about how the food you eat or drink affect or exacerbate your condition. S/he can also provide recommendations on fiber-rich food to include in your diet to avoid constipation, another known trigger of incontinence
Ref:
Health.com
MedicalNewsToday
MayoClinic
Read more at >> 7 Healthcare Professionals Who Can Help if You Have Urinary Incontinence
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