How can incontinence be treated?

In the last blog post, you learned about the different types of incontinence. Here, we would like to present the treatment options. Because: incontinence is not a fate one has to accept! In most cases, incontinence is treatable. There are numerous options tailored to the specific cause and individual situation.

1. Treatment of Stress Incontinence

Do you remember? Stress incontinence occurs during physical exertion such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. This is often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or the natural aging process. 

Treatment options: 

• Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is the main therapy for stress incontinence. Targeted exercises can help reduce urine leakage and improve bladder control.
• Medication: In some cases, medications that support the bladder muscles can help.
• Surgical procedures: In severe stress incontinence, surgery may be necessary. A common procedure is the insertion of a sling system (TVT – Tension-free Vaginal Tape), which helps support the bladder and prevent urine leakage.
• Pessaries: A pessary is a small, flexible device inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and reduce pressure on the urinary tract. They often help avoid surgery.
• Lifestyle changes: If overweight, weight reduction can help. A healthy diet and avoiding bladder irritants also contribute to bladder stabilization.

 

2. Treatment of Urge Incontinence

With urge incontinence, affected individuals experience a strong, sudden urge to urinate, which often leads to uncontrolled urine leakage. The cause is often an overactive bladder, stimulated by inflammation or neurological diseases.

Treatment options:

• Medication: Anticholinergics such as oxybutynin or tolterodine can calm an overactive bladder and control urinary urgency. These medications prevent the bladder from contracting too early.
• Bladder training: Through bladder training, patients can learn to delay urination and better control their bladder. This involves setting specific times for urination.
• Botox injections: In particularly stubborn cases, Botox injections into the bladder wall can help relax muscle activity and reduce urinary urgency. 
• Electro-stimulation: Therapy with electrical impulses can help calm an overactive bladder and reduce urinary urgency.

 

3. Treatment of Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence combines both stress and urge incontinence.

Treatment options:

Combination of pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes (no smoking, healthy diet, sufficient exercise), aids, and possibly surgery.

 

4. Treatment of Overflow Incontinence

With overflow incontinence, the bladder cannot be completely emptied. This leads to the bladder overflowing and uncontrolled urine leakage.

Treatment options:

• Medication: For blockages of the urinary tract, medications such as alpha-blockers can help improve urine flow, especially in men with an enlarged prostate.
• Catheterization: If the bladder is no longer able to empty completely, regular catheterization may become necessary. This involves manually removing urine from the bladder. 
• Surgical procedures: In severe blockages or strictures of the urethra, surgery may be required to reopen the urinary tract.

5. Treatment of Unconscious Incontinence

Unconscious incontinence or reflex incontinence occurs due to a neurological disorder in which the bladder reflex is disrupted. This type of incontinence is common in strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological diseases.

Treatment options:

• Electro-stimulation: Treatment with electrical impulses to the nerves controlling the bladder can help improve bladder function and prevent involuntary emptying.
• Intermittent catheterization: In many cases, affected individuals must regularly use catheters to empty their bladder as they have no control over urine flow.
• Medication: Medications can be used to regulate bladder muscles and enable better control.  

 

Conclusion: There is hope!

There's a remedy for incontinence! Whether through targeted exercises, medicinal therapies, aids like pessaries, or surgical interventions – the right treatment for incontinence can bring about significant improvement. Are you or someone you know affected by incontinence? Then don't hesitate to seek dialogue with a doctor or specialist. There's a way for you to lead an active and self-determined life too!

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