Incontinence Treatment Options

There are three major categories of treatment. In order of severity, they are: behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical. The treatment given depends on the type of incontinence that you have. For example, if you have an infection, then an antibiotic will probably be given.

Behavioral techniques include:

• Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation helps regain control of the pelvic muscles. Exercises such as Kegels are used alone or with biofeedback or magnetic therapy, vaginal weight training or pelvic floor stimulation.
• Scheduled Toileting is recommended for frail elderly, bedridden or Alzheimer’s patients. The caregiver puts the patient on a regular voiding schedule by prompting him or her to use bathroom every 2-4 hours. The goal is to keep the patient dry.
• Bladder Retraining involves gradually increasing the amount of time between regularly scheduled bathroom trips. It’s been proven effective in treating urge and mixed incontinence because it trains the bladder to delay voiding for larger time intervals.

Pharmacologic Therapy

Pharmacologic therapy (drugs) is commonly used to treat incontinence. This includes both prescription drugs such as antibiotics, oxybutynin chloride, and tolterodine and herbal remedies such as butterbar, kava, corn silk, and ginkgo.

Because many medications can contribute to incontinence, drug treatment could involve removing a drug from your routine as often as adding one. Only your doctor should add or remove a drug from your usage schedule.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment is determined by the type and cause of your incontinence. The most common procedures include periurethral bulking injections (collagen injections around the urethra), bladder neck suspension (sling procedures), artificial urinary sphincter implantation, or sacral nerve stimulator.

If your incontinence cannot be cured—or you are awaiting treatment— there are numerous products and supplies that will help you control your situation. These options include external collection systems, penile compression devices, catheters, pelvic organ support devices, and urethal inserts (plugs). Fortunately, new technologies have radically improved absorbent products such as pads and disposable underwear. Using the right solution for your circumstances will keep you comfortable while giving you the greatest cost savings.

Our wellness continence care services are strictly intended to help individuals find better product solutions and applications to improve home management and self-care techniques and obtain basic bladder health information.

Health & Home Solutions does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for incontinence.

Our services are general in scope and provide for informational purposes only. Our wellness services should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with your doctor. Never disregard medical advice because of something you may have read or obtained from Health & Home Solutions.