Several types of urinary incontinence exist. In elderly people and women who have recently given birth, weakened muscles may be the cause. Aging men often experience incontinence issues stemming from an enlarged prostate. In any case, however, approximately 80 percent of urinary incontinence is curable, according to NetDoctor. Finding suitable ways to help ease or eliminate the problem is key.
Kegels
Those who experience incontinence while sneezing, lifting heavy objects or coughing may attribute their problem to weak bladder muscles. Exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles and strengthen the muscles that help control urine -- kegels -- treat two types of incontinence: stress incontinence and urge incontinence, according to MayoClinic.com. Before performing kegel exercises, discuss proper technique and repetitions with their doctor. Overworking the muscles can impede treatment.
Electrical Stimulation
By inserting electrodes into the rectum or vagina, electrical stimulation stimulates pelvic floor muscles with low-voltage electric currents. These treatments can be done at home or in a clinic. Those who choose this method, however, may wait several months before noticing improvement. In addition, multiple treatments may be necessary, according to MayoClinic.com.
Bladder Training
Bladder training is a behavioral method primarily used to help urge incontinence, though it is sometimes combined with other treatments for mixed urinary incontinence. The goal is to lengthen the time between bathroom trips by urinating at extended intervals; beginning every thirty minutes to two hours and working up to every three to four hours, according to FamilyDoctor.org (see reference 3). In between the scheduled trips, people practice relaxation techniques or kegel exercises to ease their urgency.
Medications
When combined with other treatments, medications can help people with mixed urinary incontinence. Multitudes of medications exist for both women and men. Women may benefit from estrogen creams when a deficiency exists, which is common after menopause. Men who have incontinence problems relating to an enlarged prostate may chose medications that shrink the prostate and improve the flow of urine. FamilyDoctor.org recommends talking to a doctor about suitable medications.
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