How To Manage Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a silent and growing epidemic found throughout the nation. The unwanted leakage of urine is an embarrassing problem for both men and women. Over 34 million Americans must live with urinary incontinence. There are ways you can prevent an overactive bladder from embarrassing situations that include using waterproof mattress protectors to protect your mattress. You can also find supplies such as adult diapers, briefs, sheets and underwear at online medical supply stores.

Tips for Urinary Incontinence

Pelvic floor exercises are one way to strengthen the muscles that hold back urine. There are other simple things you can do to manage bladder leakage. Eat high-fiber foods that do not irritate the bladder like green peas, oatmeal, brown rice, spinach and pinto beans. If you are overweight, then a weight loss program may reduce the severity of your symptoms. Check with your doctor to see if current medications may be interfering with bladder control.

Bladder training includes increasing the time between feeling the urge to urinate and going to the restroom. This can result in reducing involuntary urine leakage by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. You should see improved results within three to six weeks of bladder training. Your doctor may use medication to control urinary incontinence.

Medication Treatments

The Food and Drug Administration has approved some treatments for incontinence that includes topical creams, skin patches and oral drugs. These drugs are gaining popularity since they are easy and convenient to use. Some oral drugs only require one pill a day for relief of incontinence. Visit your doctor to find out about the type of urinary incontinence that affects you.

Medications for incontinence work by reducing bladder contractions that lead to involuntary urine loss. Other types of medications are used to improve the condition of pelvic muscle tissues. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, weight loss or pelvic floor therapy may also be prescribed. Medications typically give relief within one to two weeks. Low dosages of medications may gradually be increased to stronger medication for your type of incontinence. Side effects of some medications include drowsiness, abdominal pain or headaches.