Types Of Urinary Incontinence And Treatment Options

6 October 2021

Jaime Allen

Individuals with urinary incontinence find it embarrassing to deal with this condition. And incontinence is not just an issue for the elderly. Different types of urinary incontinence depend on factors other than age, and the treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some cases of incontinence require medication, while others only require some lifestyle changes.

Types Of Urinary Incontinence

Most people associate loss of bladder control with aging. And while age does play a factor, there are other types and causes of this condition.

• Stress incontinence: urine leakage when coughing, sneezing, or laughing
• Urge incontinence: sudden intense urges to urinate
• Functional incontinence: physical and/or mental impairment that creates issues with urination
• Overflow incontinence: bladders don't completely empty, causing dribbling and leaking
• Mixed incontinence: having a combination of urinary incontinence types

No matter which type of urinary incontinence a person has, the condition can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and negatively affect one's quality of life. Anyone with this condition should consult a doctor to receive the right urinary incontinence treatment.

Natural Urinary Incontinence Treatment

Many patients suffering from urinary incontinence can relieve symptoms naturally. Lifestyle changes and tips can help.

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking
• Don't lift heavy objects
• Treat constipation
• Cut down on alcohol and caffeine

These tips help those with a weak bladder and urgency. For some people, this is enough to relieve symptoms.

Medications For Urinary Incontinence 

While medications, like anticholinergic agents, are used as urinary incontinence treatments, they should be the first treatment option.

They do work, but they are not the most effective treatment option. Doctors agree that behavior therapies, along with exercise and lifestyle changes, are most effective. However, patients and doctors can discuss using medication along with natural treatments to relieve symptoms.

Effects Of Untreated Urinary Incontinence

If a person is urinating often throughout the day, having urgency problems, and/or has leaking issues, doctors recommend medical help. If left untreated, urinary continence negatively affects people's lives in various ways.

• Sleep deprivation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loss of sexual interest

No one has to live with the embarrassing issue of urinary incontinence. Doctors do have treatment options to relieve symptoms and help patients live an active life. No matter what age a person experience this issue, there are treatment options to help relieve symptoms and help patients live a more normal life. Contact a local urinary incontinence treatment clinic near you to learn more.

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