Top Treatments for Improving Urinary Incontinence in Women
Top Treatments for Improving Urinary Incontinence in Women
Have you ever experienced a sudden loss of urine? Are you bothered by an accidental leakage or continue to lose control of your bladder? If so, you are not alone. Urinary incontinence has been affecting millions of women worldwide. This article aims to help manage this condition effectively. There are effective ways to strengthen your bladder and get you back on track.
Understanding Bladder Control
Bladder control is basically being able to manage the timing of urination. The nerves connecting your bladder, muscles, spine, and brain coordinate to signal when you need to urinate. A primary cause of urinary incontinence in women is weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can result from factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, ageing, menopause, and obesity.
Bladder Control Solutions for Women
Bladder Training
Bladder Training is one of the most common treatments being used by women at home, especially during and after pregnancy. This means that you get to decide when and how often you need to use the bathroom, regardless of the urge to urinate. Bladder training aims to lengthen the intervals between your restroom breaks, helping your bladder increase capacity and control. Behavioral methods such as this also do not exhibit any serious side effects.
How To Implement Scheduled Toilet Breaks:
Start by using a diary to record the times of urination and set an initial schedule such as every 1 to 2 hours. Observe this pattern for a certain period of time.
Slowly adjust and increase the interval between breaks by 15 minutes each week.
Once you are comfortable, extend the intervals further to 90 minutes, and eventually to every 2 to 4 hours.
This routine helps the bladder hold more urine and minimize the number of times of sudden urges.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Kegel exercises involve repeat contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles which supports the bladder.
How To Perform Kegel Exercises:
Try performing this exercise by interrupting midstream.
Relax your abdominal, buttocks and thigh muscles.
Contract the Pubococcygeus (PC) muscle for 5 seconds, then relax for 3 to 5 seconds.
You may increase the interval and hold the muscles for 10 seconds if possible. Then, relax.
Repeat 10 to 15 times, three times a day (morning, afternoon and night).
This regular practice will help control your urine flow and help reduce leakage.
Weight Management
Overweight can put additional pressure on the bladder which may lead to urinary incontinence among women. Certain food and drinks can also contribute to increased urination urges and irritate the bladder.
Weight Loss Tips:
Stay hydrated with water but avoid consuming large amounts at once. Drink smaller amounts of fluids throughout the day and reduce fluid intake in the evening to prevent nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy food and artificial sweeteners.
Adopt a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Exercise regularly and aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
Consult with a dietician or seek a healthcare provider to guide you with a personalized weight loss plan.
Managing your weight and taking on a healthier lifestyle can help enhance bladder function and can make a significant impact on overall health.
Medical Interventions
Some medications can strengthen the muscles for control and can help relax the bladder, such as:
Pseudoephedrine – a medication that can strengthen the urethra and alleviate stress incontinence.
Botox – a drug that also helps with the relaxation of the muscle and treat neurological conditions.
Estrogen replacement therapy – a cream or a vaginal ring that reduces the swell surrounding the urethra and guards against leakage. It can help different types of urinary incontinence.
Various medical devices and inserts can alleviate stress incontinence by supporting pelvic organs and minimizing urine leakage. Below are some examples:
Vaginal Pessaries – a circular device that helps hold the organ in its proper position for cases of bladder prolapse
Urethral insert – a disposable device akin to a tampon that serves as a barrier to leakage
eCoin Peripheral Neurostimulator System – an implanted device that emits electrical pulses to stimulate the nerves associated with bladder control, placed under the skin near the ankle and can be controlled remotely.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) – a needle attached to an electrode and inserted into the skin by the inner ankle that creates a pulse to the nerves found at the base of the spine to control the bladder which mitigates the urge to urinate
Sacral nerve stimulation – a surgically implanted neurostimulator that delivers electrical pulses to interrupt urinary urgency signals between the bladder and brain. It gets more blood flowing to the bladder and also triggers the body to release its own natural painkillers.
Surgery
For severe cases and if all of the other methods may not seem to improve your condition, surgical procedures will most likely be recommended by your healthcare provider.
Sling procedures – the most common surgical intervention to treat urinary incontinence. A strip of synthetic mesh or tissue is placed under the bladder to provide additional support. This hammock-like structure keeps the urethra closed to prevent urine leakage and improve control of the bladder. This is typically performed on an outpatient basis and recovery time is relatively swift. Patients can go home the same day that the surgery took place.
Retropubic colposuspension – a surgical procedure used to treat stress urinary incontinence in women and known for its long-term efficiency. If the bladder has prolapsed (dropped), stitches are placed around the neck of the bladder and attached to the pubic bone or nearby ligaments. These sutures will provide better support by lifting and securing the bladder neck and urethra to stop urine from leaking.
Finding Top-Quality Gynecological Care in Singapore
Singapore offers a range of reputable clinics and hospitals with expert gynecologists who provide comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. Finding the best quality gynecological care in Singapore is essential for maintaining optimal reproductive health. Whether you are seeking methods, specialized treatments, examinations or surgical procedures, selecting a trusted provider can instill confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you are receiving exceptional care.
Aster Gynaecology - Dr Ng Kai Lyn | Female Gynaecologist | Women's Health Specialist | Laparoscopy Specialist Singapore
