Incontinence, the inability to control excretory functions, is a common problem. In fact, the National Institutes of Health estimates that 13 million adults suffer from urinary incontinence.40

It is not just a symptom of age or infirmity. The muscles in the bladder and urethra may become weak due to childbirth resulting in accidental wetting when one coughs or laughs. Loss of hormones during menopause could also help to weaken the urinary system. Other causes include damage to bladder nerves due to disease, urinary tract infection, or a blockage in the urethra, a rarity in women.

The condition, also referred to as overactive bladder, is characterized by a sudden urge to urinate because of muscle contractions around the bladder, which may lead to involuntary leakage. Usually urinary frequency is more than normal, perhaps as much as eight to ten times in a 24-hour period. Incontinence also may interrupt sleep patterns, as you wake up several times a night to pass urine.

Because of the personal nature of this condition, many people are reluctant to discuss it with their doctors. For those who do, their doctors prescribe anticholinergic medications, which are often accompanied by side effects, or surgery is recommended. These therapies should not be the first line of defense.

Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the bladder and urethra can help control leakage. Biofeedback is also used to help control the muscles. Along with building up the muscles, there are natural herbs that have been shown to help maintain healthy urinary bladder function.

Life Extension offers a natural herbal product that is designed to support healthy urinary tract function.* The 20 standardized herbs contained in BetterWOMAN® have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to address the multiple mechanisms necessary for proper bladder function and control. This formula is a holistic approach to help create the optimal function of the urinary tract and muscles.*

These Chinese herbs are standardized to provide a consistent formula. BetterWOMAN® helps promote the health and function of the urinary bladder.41*