Living with urinary incontinence (UI) is no joke. It can be pretty frustrating for people who suffer from the condition to hold their urine while in public to avoid an episode. The social stigma associated with not being able to control their bladders can stick with them for a long time and can cause emotional trauma. Some people even have difficulty talking to a doctor regarding the matter as they believe it’s an embarrassing topic.
Research states that more women than men suffer from urinary incontinence, perhaps because they’re more susceptible to the risk factors. However, during the past few years, health advancements have made the condition more bearable. In addition, certain products cater to people with UI, which has made their lives better.
At present, several incontinence treatments and practices are available to help people cope with the conditions. Some are relatively easy to do, while some aren’t. However, if you suffer from UI, you need to seek medical assistance from a doctor so they can prescribe the right treatment plan and advise you about the best path to take.
Medications
Once you bring up your condition to a doctor, there’s a huge chance that they will prescribe medications to help control your case. As UI cases vary from person to person, it is recommended that you consult with them before taking medicine. The more commonly prescribed drugs include imipramine, anticholinergics, and topical estrogen substances.
Your doctor will also prescribe regular exercises to boost your chances of overcoming the condition.
Surgical procedures
If you wish to take the surgical route, you should consult your doctor. Among the procedures that can resolve the condition includes colposuspension, a procedure where the surgeon will lift the neck of your bladder to relieve the pressure and stitch it in a raised position.
Another surgery entails inserting a sling to support the neck of the bladder. For women, the surgeon will make an incision between your lower tummy and vagina to insert the device. For men, the doctor will place the device between your anus and scrotum to fully support the urethral valve.
Other options include inserting an artificial urinary sphincter for men and vaginal mesh surgery for women. But, again, a thorough consultation with your medical practitioner would help you decide which one is best for you.
Electronic stimulation
Another way to treat UI is through sacral nerve stimulation. It can be pretty uncomfortable for some people because it entails inserting a device near your buttocks and sending an electric current towards the sacral nerves. The procedure improves the way signals are received between the detrusor muscles and your brain to limit your urge to relieve your bladder.
Dietary restriction
One of the non-invasive ways to manage the condition is to restrict your diet. For example, you can avoid eating citrus fruits and heavily spiced food products. You should also limit the consumption of coffee and alcoholic beverages because they stimulate urine production.
Takeaway
There are several ways to treat and manage urinary incontinence. Therefore, people who suffer from the condition need not fret as they have options to deal with it efficiently.