What treatments to improve the control of urine?

1. Lifestyle changes:

- Reduce fluid intake, especially caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, before bedtime.

- Maintain a healthy weight.

- Exercise regularly to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

- Avoid constipation by eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids.

2. Bladder training:

- Double voiding (urinating twice in a row).

- Progressive delay (waiting longer and longer between bathroom trips).

- Scheduled voiding (setting a schedule for bathroom trips, even if you don't feel the urge to go).

3. Pelvic floor muscle training (Kegels):

- Exercises to strengthen the muscles that control urination.

- Taught by a physical therapist or nurse.

4. Medications:

- Anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin, tolterodine): Relax the bladder muscles and reduce spasms.

- Mirabegron (Myrbetriq): Relaxes the bladder muscles and increases bladder capacity.

- Desmopressin (DDAVP): Reduces urine production.

5. Surgery:

- In severe cases of urinary incontinence, surgery may be necessary.

- Options include:

- Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT): A synthetic sling is inserted under the urethra to provide support and prevent urine leakage.

- Bulking agents: Injected into the tissues around the urethra to help block urine flow.

- Artificial urinary sphincter: An inflatable device implanted in men to control the flow of urine.

6. Electrical stimulation:

- Used to stimulate the sacral nerves, which control bladder function.

- Can help improve bladder control and reduce incontinence.

7. Acupuncture:

- Some evidence suggests that acupuncture may be helpful in improving urinary incontinence.

- Can be used in combination with other treatments.