Cure for Urinary Incontinence

If you suffer from urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control), you are not alone. At least 10 to 20 percent of all older adults living in the community are coping with this problem.

Many cases of incontinence can be controlled, if not cured outright. Temporary incontinence can be caused by water pills (diuretics) and many other common medications. Constipation, urinary infections, stones in the urinary tract, or extended bed rest are other causes. If the underlying problem is corrected, the incontinence can be cured.

There are five types of persistent or chronic loss of bladder control:

Stress incontinence refers to small amounts of urine leaking out during exercise, coughing, laughing, sneezing, or other movements that squeeze the bladder. It is most often seen in women, although men experience it after prostate surgery. This kind of incontinence is often helped by Kegel exercises.

Urge incontinence happens when the need to urinate comes on so quickly there is not enough time to get the toilet. Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, kidney or bladder stones, and bladder infection are some of the causes of urge incontinence.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty itself completely. Diabetes or an enlarged prostate may be the underlying cause.

Reflex incontinence is spontaneous urination without the feeling of needing to go. Spinal cord injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other ailments cause this lack of bladder control.

Functional incontinence may occur in people who have bladder control but have difficulty getting to the bathroom quickly enough because of physical limitations.

Home Treatment

• Don’t let incontinence embarrass you. It is not a sign of approaching senility. Take charge and work with your doctor to treat any underlying conditions that may be causing the problem.
• Don’t let incontinence keep you from doing the things you like to do. Absorbent pads or briefs, such as Attends and Depend, are available in pharmacies and supermarkets. No one will know you are wearing one.
• Avoid coffee, tea, and other drinks that contain caffeine, which over-stimulates the bladder. Do not cut down on overall fluids; you need these to keep the rest of your body healthy.
• Practice “double-voiding.” Empty your bladder as much as possible, relax for a minute, and then try to empty your bladder again.
• Urinate on a schedule, perhaps every three to four hours during the day, whether the urge is there or not. This may help you to restore control.
• Wear clothing that can be easily removed, such as pants with elastic waistbands. If you have difficulty with buttons and zippers, consider replacing them with Velcro closures.
• Keep skin in the genital area dry to prevent rashes. Vaseline or Desitin ointment will help.
• Pay special attention to any medication you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, since some affect bladder control.
• Incontinence is sometimes caused by a urinary tract infection.
• For stress incontinence practice Kergel exercises daily.
• Ease functional incontinence by placing a portable commode where it can be reached easily, such as by your bed.

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