Urinary incontinence is an accidental loss of urine. Of the 13 million Americans this problem affects, 11 million are women and half of all cases occur within the elderly population, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Although a common problem, it is still embarrassing for those who suffer from it, and its severity can range from a mild leak when coughing to a sudden urge resulting in the person unable to reach the bathroom on time. Just as a various types of severity exist, so too do various types of incontinence.
Step 1
Give bladder retraining a try. As the MayoClinic.com explains, bladder retraining may be helpful for urge incontinence, as well as other types. The purpose is to delay urinating every time the urge is felt. The patient begins by waiting 10 minutes once the urge arrives, and progressing the time in small increments until they are making trips to the bathroom every two hours to four hours. Depending on the severity of the incontinence, this may be the only treatment, or may be combined with other types of therapy. This method is an option for both genders.
Step 2
Practice Kegel exercises. A form of physical therapy, Kegel exercise work for both men and women who suffer from urinary incontinence. They strengthen the urinary sphincter--muscles that control the flow of urine--along with the pelvic floor muscles. These are effective for both stress and urge incontinence and can be done anywhere and anytime. To do Kegels, a person needs to tighten pelvic muscles as they are stopping the flow of urine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends performing 30 to 80 of these exercises each day.
Step 3
Undergo electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation is a process that stimulates and strengthens the pelvic floor muscles by using electrodes. As the MayoClinic.com explains, the doctor inserts the electrodes into the rectum of a man and the vagina of a woman. The clinic adds that this treatment takes several months and multiple treatments to work.
Step 4
Use a medical device. For women, urethral inserts are available to help prevent urine from leaking out. Similar to tampons, a woman inserts these disposable devices into her urethra where the urine exits the body. Available by prescription only, only women who can predict their incontinence--such as those who leak urine during sporting activities--should use them.
Step 5
Consider an artificial urinary sphincter. Men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer or who have an enlarged prostate gland may need an artificial urinary sphincter due to a weakening of their sphincter muscle. It is the shape of a doughnut and the doctor places it around the neck of the bladder. It keeps the original sphincter tight, and when ready to urinate, the man presses a valve under his skin, causing the ring to deflate, allowing him to urinate.
