Experiencing incontinence can be life-changing.  In order to better manage your symptoms, there are some lifestyle changes that you can make to give yourself the opportunity for better control.

The first lifestyle change is to quit smoking.  The harmful effects of cigarette smoking have been well documented.  It is the secondary effects such as incontinence that are often overlooked.  The chronic cough associated with cigarette smoking significantly increases the pressure on our pelvic floor muscles and, over time, can lead to incontinence.  Also, the poor oxygenation of muscular and connective tissue associated with cigarette smoking has a direct impact on the … Continue Reading

I recently read through two different sites with the bloggers writing about how Kegels are worthless.  If I could delete these entries just as quick as I read them, I would so that it didn’t cause any more confusion for all of you searching for answers.  Do I agree that pelvic floor strengthening has been over-simplified – YES!  But to say that you don’t have to do another Kegel is simply not correct.  Our pelvic floor is a muscular area with the ability to tighten on the urethra (the pathway from the bladder to our urethral opening in our pelvic … Continue Reading

It is important to develop a strategy to help you manage your incontinence.  This may include special clothing or the use of devices that will allow you to continue with normal activities as well as any recreational activities you choose to participate in.  We will review four strategies that can help you to manage your incontinence.

The first management strategy is use of a pessary device.  A pessary is a small latex or silicone device, similar to a diaphragm, that you insert into your vaginal canal to give better support to your bladder and urethra.  The goal is to hold your … Continue Reading

After viewing your DVD, I know I was doing my Kegels correctly but I have been doing them lying in bed only.  You have sitting and standing Kegels on the DVD but these are hard for me.  Does it matter if I just do them lying on my back?

Glad you were doing your Kegels correctly! Progressing from supine to sitting to standing is a progression in difficulty as are the exercises in workouts 1 through 4, respectively. Progress only as you are able – meaning make sure you can do them correctly.  Otherwise, you are not ready. The best part … Continue Reading