4 Treatment Options For Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a problem for many Americans, but that doesn't mean it isn't embarrassing. Urinary incontinence can be caused by many reasons, and it can range from mild to severe. Regardless of your symptoms, however, consider these treatment options.

1. Botox and Bulking Materials

Botox is often used to help fight the look of wrinkles. However, it does this by paralyzing muscles. For this reason, it can also be used for many other conditions, including urinary incontinence. During the procedure, Botox is injected into the bladder, forcing the bladder to relax, so you have more time to reach the bathroom. This treatment is great for urge incontinence and overactive bladder.

If you tend to experience stress incontinence, you may leak urine when you laugh, sneeze, cough, etc. If this is the case, bulking material injections may be a better choice. In this case, injections are used to add volume around the urethra. This helps keep the urethra closed to prevent unwanted leaks.

2. Medical Device

There are some devices that can be inserted and used to prevent leaking. However, these are only effective in patients with vaginas. A urethral insert is used temporarily during an activity that may lead to leaks. It will need to be removed before you can pass urine.

Similarly, a pessary is a latex or silicone device that helps support the bladder. On the other hand, a bladder neck support device works by better supporting the urethra.

3. Medications

There are medications designed to help fight incontinence. Anticholinergics and Mirabegron are two medications that can help with urge incontinence and overactive bladder. They allow the bladder to relax, and they may also help you better empty your bladder.

For patients with a prostate, alpha blockers may be a good idea. These work by relaxing muscle fibers in the neck of the bladder and the prostate.

4. Surgery

If nothing else seems to help, surgery may be necessary. One common surgical procedure for urinary incontinence is a sling procedure. During this process, a mesh is inserted to help keep the urethra closed. This treatment helps with stress incontinence. A bladder neck suspension is used to better support the urethra and bladder neck.

If you are sick of struggling with urinary incontinence, it may be time to take action. Luckily, there are many treatment options available, but finding the right one for you may take time. If you would like to know more, contact a provider in your area today.