The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that urinary incontinence is an accidental leakage of urine. While it tends to be more common in women, a number of men suffer from it as well, with prevalence increasing with age. Incontinence comes in a number of types, just as causes do. The treatment for this condition varies for everyone, depending on the severity and type of your incontinence. Methods can range from behavioral treatments such as fluid management, to surgical procedures.
Step 1
Train your bladder. Wait 10 minutes to urinate when you feel the urge to use the bathroom; this helps you learn to delay your urination. Continue extending the time 10 minutes over a period of time until you find yourself going every two to four hours. This is particularly effective for men suffering from urge incontinence, as MayoClinic.com explains.
Step 2
Manage your fluid intake and watch your diet. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends limiting your fluid intake at certain times of the day. MayoClinic.com points out that you should reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol from your diet. These tend to increase your urge and frequency to urinate.
Step 3
Perform Kegel exercises. Before you can perform Kegel exercises, you must first locate the right muscles. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that you should imagine you are trying to prevent yourself from passing gas, and pull the muscles in needed to do this; these are your pelvic muscles. Do not use your stomach, buttock or thigh muscles or hold your breath. You then pull your pelvic muscles in and hold for a count of three, then relax for a count of three. Slowly work up to holding your muscles for a count of 10, repeating for three sets, three times a day.
Step 4
Give electrical stimulation a try. Electrical stimulation causes the urinary muscles of the pelvic floor to contract, thus strengthening these muscles and improving bladder control, according to Healthcommunities.com. The doctor inserts a probe into the anus, through which the current passes to the muscles. You squeeze your muscles while the current is on, taking a five to 10 second break between each current. each session lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about therapy. A variety of surgical options are available to you, whether your incontinence is due to prostate surgery or nerve damage from a spinal cord injury. Your doctor can determine what surgery is better for you, and his decision is based entirely on your specific situation and needs.
