Urinary Incontinence
Loss of bladder control is a common and often embarrassing problem. It ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to sudden episodes so strong that you are unable to get to a toilet in time. Although urinary incontinence affects millions of people, it is not a normal part of aging or an inevitabe result of childbirth. This is a medical condition with a number of possible causes. In many cases, urinary incontinence can be stopped. If it cannot be eliminated, there are ways of managing it to ease your discomfort and inconvenience.
Treatment of this condition depends on the type and severity of the incontinence. Often a combination of treatments is used, with the least invasive therapy as first line treatment.
Contemporary treatment for urinary incontinece falls into four categories:
Behavioral Techniques
- Self-education by keeping a careful bladder diary
- Kegel pelvic floor muscle exercises using biofeedback
- Bladder raining with scheduled trips to the toilet
- Removal of bladder irritants
- Thoughtful fluid management
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Medications to Suppress Uncontrollable Bladder Contractions
Medications are often used along with behavioral techniques.
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Devices
The most common device for treating incontinence is a pessary, which is a ring inserted into the vagina to help hold up the bladder and urethra.
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Minimally Invasive Surgery
This option is used to support and stabilize the urethra during strain.
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