Here are some ideas that this study suggests for improving incontinenceand none of them involve medicines or procedures.
Some of these treatments include medications and surgery.
But many people dont want to resort to those measures.
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The pelvic floor muscles are also the muscles that start and stop the flow of urine.
When theyre not functioning properly, you could experience urine leakingand often at the most inopportune times.
But actual evidence of yogas efficacy for UI is minimal.
Lets see what they found.
How Was This Study Conducted & What Does It Suggest?
In addition, other criteria excluded participation as well.
Both the yoga and exercise classes took place at three different locations in northern California.
The yoga groups were led by instructors with at least two years of experience teaching yoga.
The muscle strengthening and stretching groups were led by personal trainers or physical therapists.
These classes focused on upper- and lower-body strengthening and stretching but avoided specific exercises for the pelvic floor muscles.
Initially, the groups met in person for the classes.
But then COVID-19 happened and lockdowns took place, so they had to transition to virtual classes.
At baseline, the average UI frequency among all participants was 3.5 episodes per day.
How Does This Apply to Real Life?
UI is about more than just peeing your pantswhich can be super embarrassingit also affects your well-being.
Laughing with friends at your local cafe or dancing at a show?
[UI] takes away independence, says Subak.
UI can also be dangerous.
Youre rushing to the bathroom at nightwith the lights offtripping and falling and [potentially] breaking a hip.
The good news is that treating UI doesnt have to involve costly interventions.
Exercise and yoga can be free and have fewer potential negative side effects.
And just most people can do some form of exercise, even with modifications.
Then when you stand uphello, leakage.
Or you find yourself right back in the bathroom soon after.
Hydration can also affect the urgency to pee.
While you want to be well-hydrated, you’ve got the option to alsooverdo it with fluids.
Caffeine and alcohol can also increase urgencyand the potential to leak.
Other signs of overhydration can include bloating, nausea, headaches and brain fog.
- doi: 10.7326/M23-305
Stanford Medicine News Center.Low-impact yoga and exercise found to help older women manage urinary incontinence.
