Urinary incontinence is a common but annoying condition — it affects up to 60% of women. Medical specialists often recommend Kegel exercises to reduce leakage and improve your quality of life, but they don’t work for everyone. So, what are your options if you fall into that category?
At Advanced Southern Westchester Medical in Yonkers, New York, urologist Sherif S. El-Masry, MD, specializes in treating female incontinence. Here, learn more about several therapies beyond Kegels that can ease bladder pressure and strengthen your pelvic floor.
Female incontinence causes involuntary urine leakage and can happen for various reasons, but the most common cause is childbirth. During labor, the muscles and other soft tissues that support the pelvic floor stretch and weaken, making it easier for leakage and accidents to occur.
Other common contributors include certain medications, weight fluctuations, and menopause.
No matter the cause, you don’t have to accept regular leakage as part of your daily life. A range of approaches can help improve bladder control, boost your confidence, and provide lasting relief. These include:
Urinary incontinence is often exacerbated by the foods and drinks you consume. For example, beverages containing alcohol and caffeine can irritate your bladder, increasing the likelihood of leaks. Acidic and spicy foods, such as lemons, tomatoes, and peppers, can have a similar effect.
You don’t necessarily have to avoid these items entirely, but cutting back may help reduce symptoms.
With incontinence, the urge to urinate can strike at any time, even if you just used the toilet. Bladder training techniques are designed to reduce the frequency and intensity of these urges.
For example, urge suppression methods — such as deep breathing, distraction (daydreaming, for example), or positive affirmations (like “I am in control of my bladder”) — can help you regain a sense of control.
In addition to suppression strategies, we may recommend scheduled voiding or delayed urination. Scheduled voiding involves using the toilet at set times during the day, whether or not you feel the urge, while delayed urination helps you resist the urge by using coping techniques until it’s time to go.
If your pelvic floor muscles are weak and leakage continues, we could recommend a medical device, such as a vaginal pessary. This soft, flexible device helps support your pelvic organs, including your uterus, bladder, and urethra. Once in place, the pessary helps prevent accidental urine leakage.
Several types of female incontinence exist, including stress, urge, overflow, and mixed incontinence. Because each type presents differently, prescription medication is sometimes needed to minimize triggers that cause the accidents in the first place.
For instance, urge incontinence is caused by spasms of the bladder muscles. Anticholinergic drugs are specifically designed to relax these muscles and prevent that urgent need to urinate. Other medications that may help manage incontinence include topical estrogen and Botox.
Don’t let urinary incontinence keep you from living your best life. A wide variety of treatment options exist, and using one or combining several can help you achieve lasting relief. Schedule an appointment with Dr. El-Masry today by calling the office at 914-375-5700.
