How can incontinence be treated?

In our last blog post, you learned about the different types of incontinence. Here, we'd like to introduce you to the treatment options. Because: Incontinence is not a fate you have 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 exercise. This is often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can be affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or the natural aging process.

Treatment options

• Pelvic floor training: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is the primary therapy for stress incontinence. Targeted exercises can help reduce urine loss and improve bladder control.
• Drug treatment: In some cases, medications that support the bladder muscles can help.
• Surgical interventions: In cases of severe stress incontinence, surgery may be necessary. A common procedure is the application of a sling system (TVT – tension-free vaginal tape), which helps to support the bladder and prevent urine leakage.
• Pessaries: A pessary is a small, flexible device that is inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and reduce pressure on the urinary tract. They often help to avoid surgery.
• Lifestyle changes: Weight loss can help if you are overweight. A healthy diet and avoiding bladder irritants also contribute to bladder stabilization.

2. Treatment of urge incontinence

Urge incontinence is characterized by a strong, sudden urge to urinate, often leading to uncontrolled urine loss. The cause is frequently an overactive bladder, which can be triggered by inflammation or neurological disorders.

Treatment options:

• Drug therapy: Anticholinergics such as oxybutynin or tolterodine can calm an overactive bladder and control the urge to urinate. These medications prevent the bladder from contracting too quickly.
• Bladder training: Through bladder training, patients can learn to delay the urge to urinate and gain better bladder control. Specific times for urination are established.
• Botox injections: In particularly stubborn cases, Botox injections into the bladder wall can help relax muscle activity and reduce the urge to urinate.
• Electrical stimulation: Therapy with electrical impulses can help calm an overactive bladder and reduce the urge to urinate.

3. Treatment of mixed incontinence

In mixed incontinence , both stress incontinence and urge incontinence occur together.

Treatment options:

• A combination of pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes (no smoking, healthy diet, sufficient exercise), aids and, if necessary, surgery.

4. Treatment of overflow incontinence

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

Treatment options:     

• Drug therapy: In cases of urinary tract blockages, medications such as α-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 the urine from the bladder.
• Surgical interventions: In cases of severe blockages or narrowing of the urethra, surgery may be necessary to reopen the urinary tract.

5. Treatment of unconscious incontinence

Unconscious incontinence , also known as reflex incontinence, occurs due to a neurological disorder in which the bladder reflex is impaired. This type of incontinence is common in cases of stroke, spinal cord injury, or other neurological diseases.

Treatment options:

• Electrical stimulation: Treatment with electrical impulses to the nerves that control the bladder can help improve bladder function and prevent involuntary urination.
• Intermittent catheterization: In many cases, those affected must regularly use catheters to empty their bladder because they have no control over the flow of urine.
• Drug therapy: Medications can be used to regulate the bladder muscles and allow for better control.

Conclusion: There is hope!

There is a cure for incontinence! Whether through targeted exercises, medication, aids like pessaries, or surgical procedures – the right treatment for incontinence can bring about significant improvement. Are you or someone you know affected by incontinence? Then don't hesitate to talk to a doctor or specialist. There is a way for you, too, to lead an active and independent life!

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