How to Treat Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This can be caused by factors such as aging, pregnancy, surgery and other underlying medical conditions. The most common causes of incontinence are weakening of the bladder sphincters and hyperactivity of the muscles.
There are several types of incontinence. In order for you to be able to treat incontinence properly, you have to know what causes the problem.
Types of incontinence
Urge incontinence is the inability to hold your urine long enough to go to the bathroom. Urine flows the moment you feel the urge to urinate.
Stress Incontinence happens when there is pressure on the bladder. Most women experience this type of incontinence usually during and or after pregnancy. Urine leaks when a person coughs, sneezes, laughs or lifts heavy objects.
Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder is full and cannot hold anymore urine. A person with this type of incontinence may or may not realize that his bladder is already full until he experiences dribbling. Others feel that they are unable to empty their bladder fully and spend too much time trying to do so.
Reflex incontinence is caused by a neurological condition. There is lack of or no sensation of urination.
Ways To Treat Incontinence
Kegel exercise - This exercise is done by alternately contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercise strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and the bladder sphincters, which keeps the urine from passing involuntarily.
Bladder training- Have a time schedule for bathroom trips. The ideal period is every 2 to 4 hours a day. If you can’t do this, you may try to wait for a few minutes before going to the bathroom when you feel the urge to urinate. Gradually increase the amount of time you wait after a few days. You should continue toilet training even at night. Empty your bladder before going to bed and every 4 hours during the night but if this is hard for you to do, you may use diapers to prevent yourself from wetting the bed.
Reduce the amount of alcohol and caffeine that you take. These are known to be bladder irritants.
Consult your doctor - It is best to talk to a doctor for any medical problems. He may be able to give you medications to treat your condition.
Urinary incontinence is common, but with the proper therapy and medical assistance, you will be able to treat and prevent this problem.