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Urinary incontinence is a common problem for female CF patients due to weak pelvic floor muscles. These muscles form a sling that runs from the front pubic bone to the tail bone, supporting the structures in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Strengthening these muscles with exercises can help relieve the symptoms of incontinence. To perform the exercises, one might imagine trying to stop the flow of urine midstream by contracting the pelvic muscles, while trying not to use the abdominal or leg muscles. By tensing these muscles for 10 seconds, relaxing the muscles, and repeating this exercise, the pelvic floor muscles will grow stronger and decrease incontinence symptoms. Many women hesitate to discuss incontinence with their physician, but physicians may have more treatment options to offer, particularly if the pelvic floor exercises do not resolve the problem.
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