Urinary incontinence is when a person ac identally leaks urine. Sometimes it is triggered when a person coughs, sneezes, exercises, lifts heavy objects, or even laughs. Urinary control issues are embarrassing and can alter the way a person lives. For example, people with urinary incontinence, may avoid social situations or leave their homes to do errands or other activities in case a bathroom is not available or nearby when they need one.
Fortunately, there are ways to gain control of urinary incontinence, depending on the type of incontinence you are diagnosed with.
The best way to treat urinary incontinence is to discuss the problem with your doctor. Knowing which type of incontinence is a good start to treating it.
Some doctors may prescribe certain medications to remedy the issue. For example, a vaginal estrogen cream can sometimes help relieve urge or stress incontinence for women. The cream is applied to the walls of the vagina and urethral tissue.
Using a bulking agent is another way to manage urinary incontinence. A bulking gel or paste, injected by a doctor around the area of the urethra, helps reduce stress incontinence. In more extreme cases, a catheter can be inserted to drain urine from the bladder, or a device called a vaginal pessary ring will put pressure on the urethral area to prevent leakage. Other invasive procedures that can reduce incontinence include injections of Botox or a procedure called sacral neuromodulation.
To better control the muscles of the bladder and urethra, biofeedback using sensors makes you more mindful of urinary signals throughout the day.
As a last resort, surgery can improve or cure incontinence if the bladder has been moved or if a man has a blockage due to an enlarged prostate.
Training your bladder to prevent incontinence is the best treatment of all. Whether you are currently experiencing urinary incontinence or not, now is the time to begin bladder control exercises and lifestyle changes:
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