Urinary incontinence in adults results from a broad range of health conditions as well as changes associated with aging. Any form of incontinence may cause emotional and physical discomfort, so it significantly affects your quality of life. If you have been experiencing urinary incontinence, keep in mind that there are various treatment options available. Successful treatment of urinary incontinence largely depends on its underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Some adults may favour conservative approaches such as non-drug therapies while others may need surgery.
Behavioral Treatments - Certain types of urinary incontinence may resolve with behavioral techniques. These may be recommended alone or in combination with other therapies. Bladder training involves delaying urination for a few minutes when you have the urge to go. Your should aim to lengthen the interval between your trips to the toilet until you are urinating every two to four hours. Scheduled toilet trips means going to the toilet on a routine basis instead of waiting for the urge to go.
Physical therapy - Kegels or pelvic floor muscle exercises help strengthen your urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles. To do this exercise, squeeze the muscles you would use to stop urine flow and hold for a count of three and repeat.
Lifestyle changes - Fluid and diet management may help improve bladder control. Try limiting or avoiding alcohol, caffeine or acidic foods.
Drug therapy - Antibiotic therapy is recommended for patients whose incontinence is caused by infections that affect bladder function. Incontinence resolves when the infection is treated. Anticholinergics are used to control incontinence in patients with overactive bladder syndrome and may be considered for adults with urge incontinence.
Incontinence products - Absorbent pads and protective garments ease the discomfort and inconvenience caused by leaking urine. Aside from promoting comfort, these products also prevent skin irritation.
Surgery - If drugs and other treatments fail, your doctor may consider surgery. Sling procedure is among the common surgical treatments for incontinence. This entails the use of a synthetic material or mesh to create a pelvic sling around your bladder neck and urethra. The sling prevents the leakage of urine because it creates tension, keeping the urethra closed.
Implanting an artificial urinary sphincter also corrects incontinence. This device is particularly helpful for male adults who have weakened urinary sphincters.
Incontinence can be quite embarrassing, hence, some adults with impaired bladder function tend to isolate themselves for fear of ridicule. They fail to realize that hiding incontinence may increase their risk for problems such as urinary tract infections, skin rashes, sores and skin infections. Adults experiencing incontinence must not hesitate to discuss their symptoms with their doctors. The evaluation of your doctor is extremely important in determining which treatment option would best suit you.
Read More about Incontinence Treatments
- Urinary Incontinence Treatments
- Male and Female Incontinence Treatment Options are Available
- Stress, Urge and Overflow Incontinence Treatment is Available
- Treatment Options for Adult Incontinence
- New Procedure Treats Stress Incontinence
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Tags: Adult Incontinence, incontinence products, Kegel exercises, Medications, Urinary Incontinence
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