Non-surgical Treatment Options
Bladder training: This technique involves delaying urination after the urge to go is felt. Bladder training can help increase the amount of urine your bladder can hold and improve your control over the timing of urination.
Double voiding: This technique helps ensure the bladder is completely empty to prevent overflow incontinence. Double voiding can be particularly helpful for people who have enlarged prostates that may obstruct the flow of urine, or for those who have conditions that affect bladder muscle contraction.
Scheduled toilet trips: This technique involves scheduling bathroom visits at regular intervals, typically every two to four hours, rather than waiting for the need to go.
Fluid and diet management: Certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder and increase the urge to urinate. These can include alcohol, caffeine, and acidic foods. Managing your intake of these can help reduce symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: Also known as Kegel exercises, these strengthen the muscles that help control urination. To do Kegel exercises, follow these steps:
- Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor muscles as though you were trying to hold in urine or gas. It should feel like a “lift and squeeze” sensation.
- Hold the contraction for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. If this is too difficult, start by holding for two seconds and relaxing for three seconds.
- Work up to holding the contraction for 10 seconds at a time.
- Aim to do at least three sets of 10 repetitions each day.
Anticholinergics: Medications like oxybutynin and tolterodine. These block a chemical messenger to calm an overactive bladder and reduce the urge to urinate.
Mirabegron: This medication relaxes the bladder muscle, increasing its capacity and reducing the urgency to urinate.
Alpha blockers: Examples of these medications include tamsulosin and alfuzosin. Used primarily in men, these relax the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, making urination easier.
Topical oestrogen: Applied directly to the urethra and vaginal areas, this can help tone and rejuvenate these tissues, reducing incontinence symptoms in postmenopausal women.