Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the medical condition in which a person’s urethra cannot close quite tightly enough, allowing urine to leak out. 

This ailment has a lot to do with the strength and elasticity of the inner pelvic muscles, which sometimes atrophy in women as the result of: 

• childbirth;
• aging; or
• trauma. 

An estimated 51 million women deal with incontinence issues, according to American Medical Systems, Inc. Many women begin to notice the problem when they cough, sneeze or laugh, and a little urine leaks out. Sometimes, you may notice it when you exercise or when you aren’t able to make it to the bathroom in time. 

Women's health expert Donnica Moore, MD explains on WebMD that if you begin experiencing bladder issues, you should follow a simple plan: "Step 1, make an appointment. Step 2, go. And Step 3, be very up-front and say 'The reason I am here today is because I have a leaky bladder.'" After an exam, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, as well as Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles.