Incontinence is the involuntary lack of bladder or bowel control that affects millions worldwide. It can vary from minor leaks to complete loss of control to impact the quality of living significantly. This condition can be managed and even improved with various treatment options. This article explores multiple incontinence treatment, their causes, as well as comprehensive treatment options.
Incontinence Treatment Types
It is vital to determine the type of urinary incontinence you are experiencing before you can begin treatment. Incontinence can come in many forms.
- Incontinence Due To Stress: This can happen when physical activities such as coughing and sneezing put pressure on the urinary bladder, causing urine to leak. The condition is frequently associated with weakened abdominal muscles. It can occur in women following childbirth or in men after prostate surgery.
- Urge Incontinence: This is also called an overactive urinary bladder. It’s characterized by sudden, intense urges to urinate and involuntary urine loss. Infections, neurological disorders, and conditions like diabetes may cause it.
- Functional Incontinence: When physical or cognitive impairment prevents an individual from going to the restroom in time. This can be seen in people who have severe arthritis or neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress incontinence with urge incontinence. This is most common in older women.
Incontinence: The Causes
Incontinence can be classified as either temporary or permanent.
Temporary Causes
- Medications: Sedatives and muscle relaxants are among the medications that can contribute to temporary bladder incontinence.
- Food Factors: Alcohol, caffeine, artificial sugars, and spicy foods may irritate or aggravate the bladder.
- Urinary Tract Disease (UTD): May cause incontinence quickly due to bladder irritation.
Causes Of Persistent
- The Disorders of the Pelvic Flooring: Weaknesses in the pelvic muscle can lead to stress incontinence.
- Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and strokes can interfere with nerve signals, affecting bladder control.
- Aging: Bladder muscle weakness increases with age.
- Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels may lead to a weakening in the muscles around the bladder or urethra.
- Problems with the prostate: Incontinence can be caused by an enlarged prostate or prostate surgery.
Treatment Options
Incontinence is usually treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, behavior therapies, medications, and, in some instances, surgical interventions.
Behavioral and Lifestyle Changes
- Urinary Bladder Training: This involves frequent bathroom trips and increasing the distance between urination. It is designed to help the bladder hold urine for longer.
- Kegels: Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles will help you control urination. These exercises tighten and hold muscles that control urine flow.
- Hydration: Monitor your fluid intake. Avoid bladder irritants (caffeine and alcohol) and time fluid consumption so that you don’t urinate at night.
- Healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the pressure on the bladder, which helps relieve symptoms.
- Nutritional Changes: Eat foods rich in fiber to prevent constipation, which can lead to increased incontinence.
Drugs
Incontinence can be controlled with various medications.
- Anticholinergics: Medications like oxybutynin & tolterodine help relax the bladder muscle & reduce urgency.
- Beta-3 Antagonists: Mirabegron (a newer medication) helps relax the bladder and increases its storage capability.
- Topical Estrogen: For postmenopausal ladies, applying topical low-dose estrogen can rejuvenate tissue in the urethra area and vaginal regions, reducing symptoms.
- Alpha-blockers: These medications help men with overflow urinary incontinence by relaxing the muscle fibers at the bladder and prostate neck.
Medical Devices
- Inserts for the Urethra: These are small, disposable devices that are inserted into the urethra when you engage in activities that may cause stress incontinence.
- PESSARIES: Devices used to support the uterus and reduce leakage among women.
Surgical Alternatives
If other treatments are not effective, then surgery may be considered. You can choose from:
- Slings: A sling, made of synthetic materials or tissues, is placed underneath the urethra. It provides support and helps prevent leakage.
- Colposuspension: This procedure involves lifting and fixing the bladder, urethra, or urethra on the pelvic ridge. It offers support and reduces incontinence due to stress.
- Artificial Sphincter: An implantable device that controls the release of urine.
- Prostate Surgery: If you have prostate-related urinary incontinence and want to alleviate your symptoms, a procedure like transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) can be performed. It removes the prostate tissue that blocks urine flow.
Conclusion
Incontinence is a common condition that can often be very distressing. However, there are several effective treatments available. The first step to finding a treatment for incontinence involves understanding the type and the cause. Incontinence sufferers may benefit from a combination of lifestyle changes and behavioral therapies with medications or surgical intervention. A personalized treatment plan created by healthcare professionals will ensure the best possible outcomes.
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