The ideal treatment is primarily based on the overall cause of the incontinence itself as well as individual preferences. Some common treatments may include any of the following:

• Trained behaviors, including timed urination and bladder training
• Kegel exercises and lifestyle changes
• Certain medical devices or medications
• Surgical procedures

Medications as well as lifestyle changes, exercises, and behavioral training are generally tried first before exploring surgical procedures. If the problem persists, your doctor will likely try another type of treatment or perform additional tests. If there’s more than one reason that you’re experiencing incontinence issues, the primary cause is always treated first, subsequently followed by treatment for other less important causes, if necessary.

Ways Incontinence is Effectively Treated

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises, when performed correctly, are a very effective way to help incontinence issues. These exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are designed to control the flow of urine. As they get stronger, you’ll suffer less frequent leaks or accidents. These Kegel exercises are most helpful in treating urge and stress incontinence.

Bladder training or retraining is when you slowly increase the amount of time you can wait before going to the bathroom.

Key Vaginal Devices for Incontinence

One of the main reasons for incontinence may be due to weak pelvic muscles, which are the set of muscles that literally hold the urine inside the bladder and in place. Doctors sometimes use a pessary device in order to address female incontinence. This stiff ring is inserted into the vagina, and it’s used to press against the vaginal wall and urethra. This leads to less leakage overall since the pressure helps the urethra reposition itself.

Medicines for Incontinence

In the case of an overactive bladder, sometimes doctors prescribe certain medications in order to block the body’s nerve signals that primarily cause urination urgency and frequency. Many medicines known as ‘anticholinergics’ help the bladder muscles relax and therefore prevent sudden bladder spasms. However, they do have some side effects including constipation, flushing, rapid heartbeat, and blurred vision.

Many women are afraid or embarrassed to mention their incontinence issues. They often suffer in silence and resort to buying adult diapers or absorbent undergarments. This is very unfortunate since most incontinent issues can successfully be resolved by simply talking to your doctor about an effective treatment plan.

At our offices, Dr. Sherry Thomas is an experienced and skilled urogynecologist who specializes in treating women’s health issues. She offers surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Our team will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs. Don’t settle for just living with urinary incontinence. Contact Dr. Sherry Thomas today to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you get your life back.

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Dr. Sherry Thomas is world-renowned for her skill and expertise in women’s health. She can help with the treatment of female incontinence. To schedule your appointment, contact Dr. Sherry Thomas today to get all your questions answered and find out the best treatment options for you.

Causes of Female Incontinence

Females may be at higher risk for urinary incontinence because of a number of factors:

• Urinary tract infections – The short urethra in women makes them vulnerable to bacterial infections that can cause temporary incontinence problems.
• Constipation – The proximity of the rectum to urinary structures and nerves can create pressure that causes temporary incontinence.
• Pregnancy – The increased internal pressure of the growing fetus can cause stress incontinence.
• Childbirth – Delivery of a baby can damage muscles and ligaments that support the bladder and can also cause damage to nerves.
• Hysterectomy – Removal of the uterus can damage muscles involved in urinary function.
• Menopause – Menopause causes a reduction in estrogen in women’s bodies, a hormone that helps to keep the linings of the urethra and bladder in good condition.
• Aging – Natural aging causes the bladder to be less able to hold urine effectively.
• Obstruction – Blockages in the urinary system can cause disruptions in the normal flow of urine and may lead to incontinence.
• Neurological diseases – Conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor or stroke can damage nerve signals and can lead to incontinence.

Diagnosis of Incontinence Problems

In order to find an effective treatment for urinary incontinence, physicians must determine the underlying cause of the problem.

• A urine test can detect infection in the urinary system.
• Compiling a “bladder diary” can tell the physician how much the patient drinks, how frequently they void and under what circumstances incontinence occurs.
• Post-void residual measurement, measuring the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding, can provide information about blockage or nerve damage to the bladder.
• Urodynamic testing uses a catheter inserted into the bladder to determine the strength of bladder walls and urinary sphincter condition.
• Cystoscopy insert a tiny lens into the urethra to detect abnormalities.
• Cystogram inserts a dye into the bladder to learn how the bladder empties.
• Pelvic ultrasound can detect any abnormalities within the urinary system.

Options for Treatment

After determining the source of the problem, the physicians may order any of a number of treatments for incontinence:

• Bladder training, such as urinating on a schedule, holding urine for longer periods of time or fluid management can help some patients.
• Pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the structures that hold the bladder.
• Anticholinergic drugs can help to calm overactive bladders.
• Topical estrogen creams can help to tone tissues in the urinary tract and genital areas.
• Mirobegron, a drug that relaxes the bladder, can help patients to hold more urine.
• Mechanical devices, such as pessaries or urethral inserts, can reduce stress incontinence.
• Bulking compounds can be injected into tissue around the urethra to reduce leakage.
• Botox, generic name botulinum toxin A, injected into bladder muscles can make reduce sensitivity that causes incontinence.
• Nerve stimulators can be surgically implanted under the skin to stimulate nerves and prevent incontinence.
• A number of surgical procedures can be done to increase support to the bladder and urethra to reduce incontinence.

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