Back to Top

Prevention

You may reduce your chances of developing urinary incontinence by:

  • Limiting caffeine and alcohol.
  • Keeping your weight down. (For more information, see the topic Healthy Weight.)
  • Quitting smoking. (For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.)
  • Avoiding constipation by eating a healthy, high-fiber diet.
  • Doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles that control the flow of urine.
Author: Ralph PooreLast Updated: August 10, 2006
Medical Review: Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Latest Urinary Incontinence News
Women more willing than docs to accept labor risks

November 19, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pregnant women are more willing to accept potential risks of delivering their baby vaginally than are the medical professionals caring for them, Australian researchers report.

Kegel exercise relieves post-pregnancy incontinence

October 16, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women can prevent or treat urinary or fecal incontinence due to childbirth by pelvic floor muscle training, a new review of current scientific evidence shows.

Bladder problems keep women out of sports

September 29, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A weak bladder keeps many women from taking part in recreational sports, according to an Italian study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health
In this Section
Prevention and Screening