Suffering from urinary incontinence? Treatments are available that can help manage symptoms effectively and safely. Lifestyle changes such as reducing your intake of spicy foods and caffeine can help limit how often you need to urinate. Kegel exercises can be a great way to strengthen your pelvic muscles and help you hold in urine more effectively, since many people with urinary incontinence leak urine when they laugh or sneeze. Additionally, many men and women wear special briefs or pads that can help hold in urine. But while lifestyle changes and therapy methods are just a few ways to manage symptoms, medications are available as well. If you have or think you may have urinary incontinence, read on to learn more about the best treatments.
Urinary Incontinence Treatments
- Vesicare
- Oxytrol
- Sling Procedure
Vesicare
Vesicare is one effective drug treatment for urinary incontinence that is only available by prescription. Also known by its generic name, solifenacin, the drug works by relaxing the muscles of the bladder, thereby reducing the feelings of urgency and improving control over your urination. Additionally, the drug reduces occurrences of leakage. So, if you are tired of needing to go to the bathroom, again and again, Vesicare can help reduce your number of trips. The pill can be taken with or without food but should be taken with a glass of water or other liquid at the same time every day. Side effects of Vesicare include dry mouth, upset stomach, fatigue, and headache among others. Eating an adequate amount of protein each day can help prevent constipation. For more information, ask your doctor about Vesicare.
Highlights:
- Relaxes bladder muscles to relieve urgency
- Eat plenty of fiber to reduce risk of constipation
- Some unpleasant side effects such as upset stomach and headache
Oxytrol
Oxytrol is another terrific medication that helps relieve incontinence, but it is available over the counter. Like Vesicare it can reduce urgency, limiting the need to use the bathroom as often. Additionally, it relaxes the bladder muscles enough to control your urge to urinate. However, rather than a pill, Oxytrol is available as a patch that is applied to the skin and delivers medication through the bloodstream. Intended for adult women who have been suffering from incontinence for at least two months, nobody else should take this medication unless directed otherwise by a doctor. Th patch comes with numerous side effects such as skin redness, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, and nausea - just to name a few. But for many women, the benefits of this medication will outweigh the risks. Like Vesicare, women should eat plenty of fiber to prevent constipation.
Highlights:
- comes as a patch worn on the skin
- A long list of side effects
- Consume fiber to prevent constipation
Sling Procedure
The Sling Procedure is one of the most effective and common surgical treatments for urinary incontinence. With the Sling Procedure, a strap of synthetic mesh, or natural tissue is placed at the urethra to support it. The sling keeps the urethra closed in order to limit leakage when you cough, sneeze or laugh. You will need to be under general anesthesia during this procedure and a catheter will be placed to drain the bladder. After the procedure, it can take up to four weeks for recovery. Complications can occur as with any surgery, but the results are often thought to be well worth the risk. Usually, surgery will not be considered an option, however, until other treatments have been attempted.
Highlights:
- Last-resort option for incontinence
- Can stop urinary leakage
- Must be put under general anesthesia
Conclusion
There is little doubt that urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing and degrading problem for many people. Fortunately, with the best treatments available, you can find relief from your urinary urgency and take back your life.