Many women live with bladder-control problems for years before seeking medical treatment due to being too embarrassed or ashamed. Urinary incontinence (the loss of bladder control) is not a normal part of the aging process or a consequence of childbirth, so it is important to tell your doctor when experiencing any adverse urinary symptoms. Untreated bladder control problems may prevent you from engaging in physical activities and may cause you to withdraw from social interactions.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics work by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that sends signals to trigger abnormal bladder contractions. Abnormal bladder contractions cause you to feel like you have to urinate even though your bladder is not full.
The most common side effect patients complain of when taking anticholinergics is dry mouth. You can counteract this symptom by sucking on a piece of candy or chewing gum. Other less commonly reported side effects include constipation, heartburn, blurry vision, rapid heartbeat, urinary retention and confusion.
Anticholinergics include oxybutynin, tolterodine, darifenacin, solifenacin, trospium and fesoterodine.
Estrogen
Estrogen can be used to treat urinary incontinence; its main function in this case is to help maintain the strength and flexibility of the tissues within the bladder and urethra. Estrogen also improves blood flow and enhances nerve function in the urethra and vaginal areas.
Topical estrogen is used as a vaginal cream, patch or ring to improve urinary function. When topical estrogen is used appropriately and alone, no side effects have been reported, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Imipramine
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant, but it may be used to treat overactive bladder symptoms. Imipramine allows the bladder muscle to relax, while the bladder neck contracts, eliminating the urge to urinate until your bladder is completely full.
The most common side effect of imipramine is drowsiness. Rare, but serious side effects involve cardiovascular problems such as irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting and hypotension.
Desmopressin
Desmopressin is a hormone that decreases the production of urine. Research has suggested that this hormone reduces urinary incontinence in adult women. Desmopressin is the synthetic version of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which is a hormone the body produces naturally.
In limited cases desmopressin caused water retention and sodium deficiency in the blood. If severe, a decrease of water and sodium in the blood can lead to seizure, brain swelling and death.
Botulinum Toxin Type A
Botulinum toxin type A is an injection into the bladder muscle. Botulinum toxin type A blocks the action of acetylcholine and paralyzes the bladder muscle. Paralysis of the muscle improves urinary incontinency symptoms, the Mayo Clinic reports.
This drug has not been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) because it may cause respiratory arrest or death.
