Cures & Surgery Procedures for Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder control that can be caused by a number of factors: dehydration, overhydration, bladder irritation or excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol, according to the Mayo Clinic. Urinary incontinence can also be a symptom of a medical condition such as a urinary tract infection or interstitial cystitis. Treatment for urinary incontinence requires first visiting your doctor who will be able to give a proper diagnosis, followed by medication, bladder training or surgery, depending on the severity of your condition.

Bladder Training

• According to the Mayo Clinic, bladder training is a therapy that can be used alone or in combination with medications to reduce the frequency of urinary incontinence. Training involves controlling the urge to urinate after your bladder fills to a certain point, which prevents uncontrollable urination. The first step is to resist urinating for at least 10 minutes after you feel you have to go, followed by gradually increasing the waiting period. You can also strengthen your pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercise, which are performed by contracting your muscles as if you were trying to stop urinating, according to the Mayo Clinic. This exercise should be done throughout the day to build up muscle strength.

Medication

• Anticholinergics are often prescribed if you have an overactive bladder, as these medications lower parasympathetic nerve impulses, which control involuntary movement in your urinary tract, according to Diane Kaschak Newman and Alan J. Wein, authors of "Managing and Treating Urinary Incontinence." It is crucial to take your medication as directed, as this medication can cause mild to severe side effects including burning sensations in your throat, blurred vision and rapid heart rate. Overdosing on the medication can cause hallucinations, circulatory and respiratory collapse or death, according to Healthline.com.

Surgery

• As a last option, surgery can eliminate urinary incontinence by implanting small devices around your bladder. Your doctor may use a minimally invasive procedure to put an artificial urinary sphincter around your bladder, which prevents urine from leaking until you are ready to urinate. According to the Mayo Clinic, the surgeon implants a small button underneath your skin, which loosens the artificial sphincter when pressed. Other surgical procedures include using your skin tissue as a sling around the neck of your bladder or urethra, which prevents accidental urination caused by coughing or sneezing.