HJBR May/Jun 2026

URINARY INCONTINENCE 28 MAY / JUN 2026 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE   or urgency issues may be prescribed medi- cations that work by either blocking the contraction of the bladder’s detrusor mus- cle or by relaxing the muscle to allow for increased bladder filling. For women show- ing signs of postmenopausal tissue thinning, also known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, topical estrogen applied to the vagina and surrounding tissues may be an effective option. Hormone-based creams may not be appropriate for all patients, so it is important to obtain a thorough medical history. Patients prescribed medications for incontinence management will also demon- strate better outcomes when treatment is combined with pelvic floor muscle training. Interventions for urinary incontinence should always be coupled with education on lifestyle modifications. Healthcare providers should educate patients on the link between obesity and incontinence and encourage healthy eating and regular physical activ- ity. Studies have shown that even moderate weight loss can significantly reduce inconti- nence episodes. Counseling on avoidance of potential bladder irritants, such as caffeine and carbonated beverages, or minimizing fluid intake before bedtime can also have a significant impact on patient symptoms. Timed voiding, which involves scheduling bathroom breaks, may also reduce incon- tinent episodes, particularly for individuals who often lose track of time or have limited access to bathrooms. Opportunities for Intervention Urinary incontinence is not uncommon. Patients need to know that they are not alone, and they should not be ashamed of their symptoms. Urinary incontinence is treatable. While not all incontinence can be fully resolved, most patients will see benefits from treatment and often in a short amount of time. Early intervention is always preferred and a proactive, rather than reactive, approach is even better. Identifying individuals at risk and educating them on the topic can have a significant impact. Urinary incontinence for many can be prevented or the risk reduced. Encourage your patients, your grandmothers, mothers, and sisters to discuss any problems they are experiencing with their healthcare provider. Urinary incontinence is not normal, but talking about it should be. n REFERENCES C. Bishop et al., “Prevalence, Socioeconomic, and Environmental Costs of Urinary Incontinence in the European Union,” European Urology 88, no. 2 (2025): 157–166, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. eururo.2025.05.025. C. Jouanny et al., “A Mixed Methods Systematic Literature Review of Barriers and Facilitators to Help-Seeking Among Women with Stigmatised Pelvic Health Symptoms,” BMC Women’s Health 24, no. 1 (2024): 217, https://doi.org/10.1186/ s12905-024-03063-6. E. R. Trowbridge and E. F. Hoover, “Evaluation and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women,” Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 51, no. 1 (2022): 157–175, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. gtc.2021.10.010. G. Capobianco et al., “Effects of Intravaginal Estriol and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation on Urogenital Aging in Postmenopausal Women,” Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 285, no. 2 (2012): 397–403, https://doi.org/10.1007/ s00404-011-1955-1. G. I. Lane et al., “Patient-Provider Discussions about Urinary Incontinence Among Older Women,” The Journals of Gerontology Series A 76, no. 3 (2021): 463–469, https://doi.org/10.1093/ gerona/glaa107. Y. H. Cho and M. K. Cho, “Impact of Knowledge, Attitudes, Symptoms, and Self-Management of Urinary Incontinence on the Quality of Life in Middle-Aged Women: A Cross-Sectional Study,” Scientific Reports 15, no. 1 (2025): 38856, https:// doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-22764-y. “Your Continence Care,” International Continence Society, n.d., https://www.ics.org/public. Angela Dukaric-Page is a physical therapist currently serving as the adult therapy manager at Woman ’ s Hospital in Baton Rouge, where she oversees both outpatient and inpatient adult therapy services. Before joining Woman ’ s Hospital in 2001, she was in private practice as the owner of Benchmark Physical Therapy in Prairieville. She earned a master ’ s degree in health administration from LSU-Shreveport and is board- certified in oncologic physical therapy. She is also a certified lymphedema therapist. “Urinary incontinence is not normal, but talking about it should be.”