Is There a Cure for Incontinence?

Incontinence is a problem that many people keep secret, so you might not realize how common it is. There are a number of different things that can cause incontinence, and plenty of people suffer from it, young and old. Whether you've just recently noticed incontinence symptoms for the first time or you've been dealing with it for a while, you've probably wondered, "Is there any way to make this issue go away? Can incontinence be cured?"

Often, the answer is yes. Finding a cure for incontinence depends on the reason why incontinence developed in the first place, but there are many different things you can do to reduce your symptoms (or even get rid of them entirely). Here are eight ways you can deal with incontinence.

8 Ways Incontinence Can Be Reduced or Cured

1. Doing kegel exercises

Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which makes it easier to hold in urine. To do kegel exercises, squeeze your muscles as if you were trying to stop the flow of urine out of your body (when you are not actually urinating). Hold for five seconds, then relax. Repeat this exercise ten times. Try to do several sets of kegel exercises every day.

2. Doing bladder training exercises

Did you know you can actually train your bladder to hold urine for longer periods of time? Bladder training involves waiting to go to the bathroom when you feel the urge to urinate. At first you might only be able to wait five or ten minutes, but with practice, you'll be able to wait longer in between bathroom visits.

3. Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol

Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can all make incontinence worse. If you smoke, quit - you might see an immediate reduction in your symptoms. Cut caffeine and alcohol consumption back to one drink a day, or stop consuming them entirely.

4. Maintaining a healthy weight

It's easier to control your bladder when you're at a healthy weight. Excess fat in your abdomen squeezes your bladder, which can make it feel like you have to go more often. If you're overweight, talk to your doctor about how you can get into the healthy BMI range.

5. Using medical devices

Some devices are designed to physically block the flow of urine out of your body, letting you go about your daily life without worrying about leaking. Women often use a device called a pessary, while men can opt for a comfortable incontinence clamp.

6. Getting electrical stimulation therapy

Electrical stimulation therapy can help to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles. It typically takes several months of treatment before you'll see results.

7. Taking medications

If natural treatments aren't working, there are medications on the market to treat incontinence. Talk to your doctor about which medications might be right for you.

8. Getting surgery

Surgery is generally considered a last resort, but for the people who can't get rid of their incontinence symptoms any other way, there are several types of surgery that can help keep the urethra closed and prevent leaking.

The Takeaway

Incontinence is no fun, but the good news is that it's often curable. Try the tips listed above, and you might be surprised at how much of a difference they make.