Treatment Options: How Lifestyle Changes Can Help
One of the first things Incontinence Centers of America may suggest is making lifestyle changes. This means cutting back on things that can irritate your bladder, like smoking, coffee, alcohol, soda, and tea. We may also recommend eating more fiber, losing weight, drinking fluids less frequently, following a regular bathroom schedule, and not drinking a beverage two hours before bed. Depending on how intense your symptoms are, these lifestyle changes may help relieve your symptoms.
Medications for Managing Bladder and Bowel Issues
We may prescribe medication for you to take while you are making lifestyle changes and/or doing behavioral therapy recommendations. Some medications that are normally prescribed include Mirabegron, Myrbetriq, and Gemtesa, but you may receive a different medication depending on your diagnosis.
Exploring Behavioral Therapy as a Treatment Option
Another treatment option we may recommend is behavioral therapy, which includes a variety of techniques:
- Bladder training. You go to the restroom at set times instead of going when you have the urge to urinate.
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises). These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and the urinary sphincter.
- Biofeedback. This technique helps people learn how to control their pelvic floor muscles, which is important for bladder function. In a session, sensors are attached to your body and connected to a computer that shows how well your muscles are working.
- Self-monitoring. You keep a bladder diary.
- Urge suppression techniques OR Urge Strategies. You resist the urgent feeling of going to the restroom.
Incontinence Centers of America may recommend one or more behavior therapy techniques to determine if this will help resolve your bladder or bowel symptoms.
Enhancing Bladder Control Through Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises remain one of the most effective non-surgical methods for treating urinary incontinence and stress incontinence. At Incontinence Centers of America, we guide patients in strengthening the pelvic muscles that help control the sudden urge to urinate and prevent urinary leakage caused by intra abdominal pressure.
Exercises may include:
- Kegel exercises to strengthen muscles supporting the bladder and bowel
- Biofeedback-assisted techniques to improve awareness of sacral nerves
- Integration with bladder training for urge urinary incontinence
These techniques are particularly beneficial for many women experiencing frequent urination or involuntary leakage.
Medications for Managing Bladder and Bowel Issues
We may prescribe medication for you to take while you are making lifestyle changes and/or doing behavioral therapy recommendations. Some medications that are normally prescribed include Mirabegron, Myrbetriq, and Gemtesa, but you may receive a different medication depending on your diagnosis.
Understanding Denver Traditional Incontinence Treatment Options
In the Denver and Colorado Springs area, patients have access to a full range of traditional incontinence treatment options. These treatments are designed to address different types of urinary and bowel issues, including urge incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, mixed incontinence, and overactive bladder. By combining lifestyle guidance, pelvic floor exercises, and medications, our team helps patients reduce urinary leakage, frequent urination, and involuntary leakage while strengthening muscles that support bladder and bowel function.
When Traditional Treatments Aren't Effective
If traditional treatments haven’t resolved your bladder or bowel issues, Axonic Therapy might be the most effective solution for you. Axonic Therapy is a cutting-edge, long-term solution that has successfully helped many with their bladder and bowel issues.
Ready to find relief? Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your symptoms and see what treatment is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traditional Incontinence Treatments
What is the most effective treatment for incontinence?
Starting with lifestyle changes and behavior therapy is best, followed by medications and surgical intervention if needed.
What are the 2 most common causes of incontinence?
Incontinence can happen for many reasons, including urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, or constipation. Some medications can cause bladder control problems that last a short time. When incontinence lasts longer, it may be due to a weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles.
What is the biggest side effect of untreated incontinence?
Complications of chronic urinary incontinence include skin breakdown, rashes, infections, sores, lack of sleep, and a diminished quality of life.
