DiagnosisIt's important to determine the type of urinary incontinence that you have, and your symptoms often tell your doctor which type you have. That information will guide treatment decisions. Show
Your doctor is likely to start with a thorough history and physical exam. You may then be asked to do a simple maneuver that can demonstrate incontinence, such as coughing. After that, your doctor will likely recommend:
If further information is needed, your doctor may recommend more-involved tests, such as urodynamic testing and pelvic ultrasound. These tests are usually done if you're considering surgery. TreatmentTreatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type of incontinence, its severity and the underlying cause. A combination of treatments may be needed. If an underlying condition is causing your symptoms, your doctor will first treat that condition. Your doctor may recommend less invasive treatments to start with and move on to other options if these techniques fail to help you. Behavioral techniquesYour doctor may recommend:
Pelvic floor muscle exercisesYour doctor may recommend that you do these exercises frequently to strengthen the muscles that help control urination. Also known as Kegel exercises, these techniques are especially effective for stress incontinence but may also help urge incontinence. To do pelvic floor muscle exercises, imagine that you're trying to stop your urine flow. Then:
To help you identify and contract the right muscles, your doctor may suggest that you work with a pelvic floor physical therapist or try biofeedback techniques. MedicationsMedications commonly used to treat incontinence include:
Electrical stimulationElectrodes are temporarily inserted into your rectum or vagina to stimulate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Gentle electrical stimulation can be effective for stress incontinence and urge incontinence, but you may need multiple treatments over several months. Medical devicesDevices designed to treat women with incontinence include:
Interventional therapiesInterventional therapies that may help with incontinence include:
SurgeryIf other treatments aren't working, several surgical procedures can treat the problems that cause urinary incontinence:
Absorbent pads and cathetersIf medical treatments can't eliminate your incontinence, you can try products that help ease the discomfort and inconvenience of leaking urine:
More Information
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If you have urge incontinence or nighttime incontinence, make the toilet more convenient:
If you have functional incontinence, you might:
Alternative medicineThere are no alternative medicine therapies that have been proved to cure urinary incontinence. Early studies have shown that acupuncture can provide some benefit. Yoga also may provide some benefit for urinary incontinence, but more study is needed. Coping and supportIf you're embarrassed about a bladder control problem, you may try to cope on your own by wearing absorbent pads, carrying extra clothes or even avoiding going out. But effective treatments are available for urinary incontinence. It's important to ask your doctor about treatment. Once you do, you'll be on your way to regaining an active and confident life. Preparing for your appointmentIf you have urinary incontinence, you're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary tract disorders (urologist) or a gynecologist with special training in female bladder problems and urinary function (urogynecologist). What you can doTo get ready for your appointment, it helps to:
For urinary incontinence, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment as they occur to you. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a few questions, such as:
Dec. 17, 2021 What can you do for functional urinary incontinence?Treatment. Functional incontinence is treated by using behavioural methods that teach you to urinate on a timed voiding schedule and by modifying your environment so you can get to and use the toilet more quickly. This may involve moving furniture, making clothes easier to remove, or making other changes.
What is the nursing intervention for urinary incontinence?Nursing Interventions
Promote access to toilet facilities, and instruct patient to make scheduled trips to the bathroom. Scheduled voiding allows for frequent bladder emptying. Give or encourage the use of medications as ordered: Anticholinergics.
What are 3 things to consider when caring for a person with functional urinary incontinence?Management and treatment for incontinence. increased fluid intake of up to two litres a day.. high-fibre diet.. pelvic floor exercises.. bladder training.. training in good toilet habits.. medications, such as a short-term course of laxatives to treat constipation.. aids such as incontinence pads.. |