Forget sleeping through the night, taking a hike or living life without worry. People with urinary incontinence are in constant fear of having an accident.

The majority of patients are women. Those who are inactive, overweight, or have weak pelvic floor muscles are most at risk.

In November's Health Check: two women who took action.

Kris Stamp used to plan her life around one thing: the nearest restroom. She suffered in silence with urinary incontinence for more than 30 years.

Kris says, "There were things you would like to do but couldn't do. If you were having a good time coughing, sneezing, anything, you always had to be on your guard."

Loss of bladder control is embarrassing and Michelle did not want to be identified.

She says, "It was just having to explain why I had to leave, why I had to run fast, why I had to do this and explaining to who you're with isn't so pleasant."

There are some things that can be done to reduce the risk. Staying active strengthens pelvic floor muscles and eating right also helps.

After three children, Michelle needed more help and requested surgery.

Dr. Euclid Desouza recommended biofeedback instead.

Michelle learned how to correctly do a Kegel exercise for the first time, eventually getting off medicine and she says, "It's amazing. I can't believe how it's improved."

And that's just one option for patients.

Dr. Desouza, a Urologist with Alegent Health says, "There is help. They may not improve significantly but at least an improvement in their lifestyle would make a big difference."

Just ask Kris Stamp. Two surgical procedures gave her the freedom to do more with her children and her grandchildren.

"The first thing I noticed is I went to bed and I didn't have to wake up several times overnight and different things. I was able to go long periods of time without worrying about anything, to be able to go out, have a drink, laugh, and not worry about anything."

Treatment options run the gamut from medication to physical therapy to surgery.

Bergan Mercy Medical Center	Immanuel Medical Center
Lakeside Hospital	Midlands Hospital
Mercy Hospital	Alegent Health Clinic