Tag Archives: Incontinence

Latchkey Incontinence

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The term “latchkey incontinence” is often used to describe a person’s constant and urgent need to urinate the moment they get home. Although the term is popular, it is not generally used in medical terminology.

A person with latchkey incontinence is most likely experiencing symptoms of an overactive bladder or OAB. Overactive bladder is a combination of symptoms that causes frequent urination, uncontrollable urination or nocturia (waking up to urinate more than two times at night).

With OAB, the urge to urinate may intensify with certain triggers such as inserting the key in the door, opening the garage door, or any behaviors that indicate to the brain that you are getting closer to home.  Over time, if this pattern continues, the brain will associate these behaviors or cues with the need to urinate and trigger the urge to go whether the bladder is full or not.  Other OAB triggers may include having the urgent need to urinate when hearing running water or while washing your hands.

OAB typically develops as a result of conditions or injuries that affect the detrusor muscle in the bladder. These conditions or injuries may include:

  • Nerve damage caused by diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
  • Abdominal trauma
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Hormonal changes such as menopause
  • Obesity

It is important to seek treatment for OAB because it will not go away on its own and symptoms may become more severe. Treatment may include behavioral interventions or changes such as scheduling bathroom trips, pelvic floor exercises, or bladder training. These therapies may be followed by medication, nerve stimulation, or potentially surgery if symptoms persist.

If you are experiencing symptoms of OAB, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

7 Ways to Keep Your Bladder Healthy

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Very often we take bladder health for granted until a problem starts to develop. Bladder problems can lead to discomfort, difficulty urinating, frequency in urination and in some cases, mad dashes to the bathroom.

The good news is by taking an active role in your bladder health you can avoid infections and reduce the risk of developing several medical problems. Here are seven ways you can help improve your bladder’s health and help it to function properly.

  1. Don’t wait long to use the bathroom. Holding in urine can add pressure to the bladder and increase the risk of developing infections.
  2. Do not rush when emptying your bladder. Rushing may result in your bladder not emptying completely- this can lead to bladder infections.
  3. Avoid food or drinks that contain irritants. Certain food or drinks that contain ingredients such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, acid, spices, excessive amounts of salt and alcohol can worsen bladder problems.
  4. Drink enough water throughout the day. Drinking your daily recommended amount of water can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract and help prevent bladder infections.
  5. Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. Kegels are a good way for men and women to maintain bladder control.
  6. Avoid constipation by adding fiber to your diet. Constipation often results in a full rectum which adds pressure to the bladder.
  7. Urinate after having intercourse. Men and women should try to urinate after sexual intercourse. This helps to flush away bacteria that may have entered during sex.

If you are experiencing difficulty urinating or have questions about maintaining bladder health, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-7110 to schedule an appointment with a urologist.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.