Urinary Incontinence Treatments

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Treatment

Treatments may include:

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy includes:

  • Making muscles stronger by doing Kegel exercises
    • This strengthens the muscles that hold the bladder in place and those that control urine flow.
    • Painless electrical stimulation is sometimes used to strengthen the muscles more quickly and is helpful for stress incontinence.
  • Bladder training
    • This can be done by setting a regular timed schedule for emptying your bladder and by drinking fewer liquids.

Weight Loss

If you are a woman who is overweight or obese , losing weight may help to reduce the number of episodes due to stress or urge incontinence. *¹ Talk to your doctor about a weight loss program that is right for you.

Medication

Medications may be prescribed to either strengthen muscles that control urine flow or relax the bladder.

Surgery

In men, surgery may be done to relieve a physical blockage due to an enlarged prostate. In women, surgery can repair weakened muscles related to bladder function. Other procedures involve collagen injections into the urethra, or surgical repair/implants into the bladder sphincter.

Devices

Absorbent diapers are often used by men and women with incontinence.

Plugs and patches that hold urine in place are available for women. Catheters are sometimes used to treat more severe cases. Alternatively, pessaries (devices that raise the uterus and decrease pressure on the bladder) may be used in women.

External (condom) or internal (Foley) catheters may be used for men. Penile clamps are sometimes used.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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