Urinary incontinence, or the condition of having difficulty holding back urination, is often considered a problem that must be taken for granted, especially by the elderly or postpartum women. In fact, this condition can be overcome with various treatment methods.
If left untreated, incontinence can interfere with daily activities and reduce quality of life. So, let's get to know more about how to overcome it!
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a condition where a person is unable to control the sudden release of urine. The causes vary, ranging from weakening of the bladder muscles, nerve disorders, postpartum effects, to aging factors.
According to WHO, around 200 million people worldwide experience urinary incontinence, with women being more susceptible than men.
Can Urinary Incontinence Be Cured?
The good news is that urinary incontinence can be treated. The method of treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some cases may improve with lifestyle changes and muscle exercises, while others may require medical therapy or surgery.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment Methods
Here are some ways that can help treat urinary incontinence:
1. Kegel Exercise: Strengthen Bladder Muscles
Kegel exercises are one of the most popular methods to treat mild to moderate urinary incontinence. These exercises aim to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that control the passage of urine.
How to do Kegels:
- Tighten the pelvic muscles as if holding back urination.
- Hold for 3-5 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10-15 times, 3 times a day.
According to research published in the International Urogynecology Journal, Kegel exercises can reduce incontinence symptoms by 70% if done regularly for several months.
2. Bladder Training: Bladder Training
Bladder training is a method to teach the bladder to hold urine longer. This technique is suitable for people with urgency incontinence, where a person often feels the need to urinate suddenly.
How to do bladder training:
- Set a toileting schedule, for example, every 2 hours.
- Gradually increase the time interval until the bladder can hold urine for longer.
- Use relaxation techniques when the urge to urinate arises.
3. Healthy Diet: Avoid Triggers
Some foods and drinks can worsen urinary incontinence. <Avoid excessive consumption of:
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
- Alcohol
- Spicy food
- Foods high in sugar and acid (such as oranges and tomatoes)
Instead, increase your consumption of foods rich in fiber to prevent constipation, which can put excess pressure on the bladder.
4. Lose Weight
For people with incontinence who are overweight, losing 5-10% of body weight can help reduce pressure on the bladder and reduce urine leakage.
5. Drug Therapy
If exercise and lifestyle changes are not effective enough, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
- Anticholinergics reduce excessive bladder contractions.
- Duloxetine: Helps strengthen the urethral sphincter muscle.
Consult a doctor before taking any medication to avoid unwanted side effects.
6. Use of assistive devices
For women, a pessary can help support the bladder and prevent leakage. Meanwhile, for men with prostate problems, a catheter or urethral support device can be used.
7. Surgery for Severe Cases
If all of the above methods work, medical procedures such as sling procedure, Botox for the bladder, or sacral nerve stimulation may be an option. According to the American Urological Association, the success rate of incontinence surgery reaches 85-90% in certain cases.
Urinary incontinence is not a condition that should be taken for granted. With a combination of exercise, lifestyle changes, medical therapy, and in some cases, surgery, this problem can be controlled or even cured completely.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing urinary incontinence, do not hesitate to consult a doctor for the best solution.
