Urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine without conscious control. This is a common health issue which affects people around the world. In the United States, about 25 percent of women and men suffer from this health problem. The chances of urinary incontinence occurring increase with age.
Treatment depends on several factors. They include the severity of symptoms, type of incontinence, general health, and age. Underlying cause also plays a role in determining the best treatment option. The doctor should first treat the underlying condition that causes symptoms of incontinence.
Without further ado, let’s see the most common treatments for urinary incontinence.
Treating Urinary Incontinence
You should try conservative treatments that involve natural solutions first. They need to provide sustained relief without significant complications. These treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Behavioral training (such as pelvic floor muscle and bladder training)
- Electrical stimulation
Those with advanced urinary incontinence also need to consider medical devices and medications. Surgery is the last option. It should only be considered if other options don’t work.
Lifestyle Change Suggestions
In the initial stage, simple changes in lifestyle can improve symptoms. For instance, your doctor may suggest:
- Losing weight if you’re obese or overweight
- Altering the daily amount of fluid
- Cutting down caffeine intake
Behavioral Training
Your GP may recommend specific exercises based on the form of urinary incontinence. By implementing behavioral techniques throughout your day, you can achieve healthier bladder function.
Some of the most effective behavioral techniques are as follows:
- Pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises)
- Bladder training (double voiding and toilet timetable)
Electrical Stimulation
This treatment option is for those who can’t contract their pelvic floor muscles.
It uses a device that stimulates and measures electrical signals. Your doctor will insert a small probe (electrodes) into the anus or vagina. Then a low-intensity runs through that probe, stimulating and strengthening pelvic floor muscles. Gentle electrical stimulation is only effective for urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Otherwise, it’s necessary to undergo several treatments over a few months.
Urgent PC Neuromodulation is another non-surgical treatment that makes use of electrical stimulation. This treatment method uses electro stimulators in the ankle. Electrical impulses are sent down the leg as well as into the pelvis nerves that regulate bladder function. That relieves symptoms of urinary incontinence. Treatment lasts about 30 minutes. It’s advisable to conduct treatments monthly to maintain bladder control.
Medical Devices
The medical devices are specially designed for females with urinary incontinence. These devices include:
- Urethral inserts
- Pessary
The urethral insert is a disposable, tampon-like device that acts as a plug. It prevents urine leakage. A woman inserts it into the urethra before activities that may trigger incontinence. She will need to remove it before urination.
The pessary is a stiff, rigid ring that a woman inserts into her vagina. You can wear it all day with peace of mind. This medical device helps women hold up their bladder up. That prevents urine leakage.
Medications to Treat Urinary Incontinence
Medications are usually used along with other exercises or techniques. The key is to find a combination that works best for you. The most common medications for urinary incontinence include:
- Anticholinergics
- Mirabegron (Myrbetriq)
- Topical estrogen
- Alpha blockers
Surgery Options
Surgery is required if other treatment options are not working. There is a wide variety of surgical treatments for incontinence. Here are some of the best surgical procedures and treatments:
- Sling procedures
- Colposuspension
- Prolapse surgery
- Artificial urinary sphincter
Don’t make a rash decision! Discuss the benefits and risks with a specialist before making a decision. This is especially true for women who’re planning to have children. That’s because the physical strain of childbirth and pregnancy can cause a surgical treatment to fail.
Lasting Solutions to Urinary Incontinence
If you are experiencing any symptom of urinary incontinence, be sure to see your doctor right away. The doctor will suggest a minimally invasive treatment first. If the non-surgical options fail, your doctor is likely to move on to high invasive or surgical methods. A combination of different treatment methods is also needed sometimes. Whatever the case may be, stay in contact with your doctor.