First For Women

Testostero­ne stops bladder leaks

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Women with adequate levels of testostero­ne are 68% less likely to experience urinary incontinen­ce than those with the lowest levels of the hormone, report researcher­s in the Journal of Urology. “Low testostero­ne causes weakness of the pelvic floor and bladder muscles that help women retain urine,” explains hormone expert Charles Mok, D.O. Boosting testostero­ne with the strategies outlined at right can improve muscle function and stop them from weakening more, he says. And Kegels can help you regain strength. To do: Two to three times a day, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles as if you’re trying to hold in urine for three seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times. These strategies can take weeks to improve incontinen­ce symptoms, so consider underwear designed to absorb leaks and neutralize odor, like Viita ($20, ViitaProte­ction.com).

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