Adventist Health Glendale | Healthline Quarterly | Early Spring 2018

Under control You don’t have to live with urinary incontinence A SNEEZE, a cough or a good laugh are all things that shouldn’t lead to a loss of bladder control—but if they do, it could be a sign that you should speak to a doctor. “Losing bladder control, also called urinary incon- tinence (UI), is a common problem, especially among women,” says Kamyar Ebrahimi, MD, urologist. About half of all adult women say they’ve had it at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Dia- betes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Overall, women are twice as likely as men to have this condition—and it becomes more prevalent with age. “But UI isn’t inevitable, and it can often be controlled and sometimes cured,” explains Dr. Ebrahimi. “The first step is a conversation with your doctor. For some women, that’s the hardest part.” While it can be a very personal matter, there’s no need to be concerned or embarrassed. Doctors treat many patients with UI each year. Your doctor will first determine the source of the problem. Dr. Ebrahimi describes some common causes: Pelvic changes. Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic muscles. Hormonal changes linked to menopause may also play a role. For women with this condition, a cough, sneeze or laugh can sometimes lead to UI. Special exercises often help. Your health care profes- sional can teach you how to do them correctly. Nerve problems. Nerves control bladder function. If they’re damaged by diabetes, stroke or some other condition, the signal to urinate might come unexpect- edly. Medications can often help. Side effects of medications. UI can be a side effect of some drugs. For example, diuretics that send excess water to the bladder may cause it to fill quickly and overflow. Other drugs that affect muscles or nerves could also lead to UI. Your doctor may be able to pre- scribe alternate medications. Lifestyle issues. Being overweight tends to in- crease pressure on the bladder and may lead to UI. Weight loss can help. Also, drinking carbonated bever- ages, alcoholic beverages, or coffee or tea (caffeinated or decaf) contributes to UI. Changing these habits might help improve bladder control. If UI is interfering with your life, take charge. Ask your doctor for help. To find a doctor who can help with UI, visit AdventistHealthGlendale.org and search under “Find a Doctor.” Kamyar Ebrahimi, MD, Urology TO L E A R N MO R E A B O U T A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H G L E N D A L E O R TO F I N D A D O C TO R , V I S I T A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H G L E N D A L E . O R G 5 When life brings you emergencies you didn’t plan for, trust your medical care to the Adventist Health Glendale Emergency Department. Our board-certified physicians, physician assistants and nurses treat minor emergencies to serious strokes and cardiac arrests. We are always available—24 hours a day, seven days a week—and conveniently located on the corner of Sinclair Avenue and East Chevy Chase Drive. Sergey Ayvazyan, MD Emergency Medicine Adventist Health Glendale 1509 Wilson Terrace, Glendale, CA 91206 “Emergency Care You Can Trust” WELLNESS