Ways to Cure Incontinence

Incontinence is a term used to describe one of two categories of medical conditions: urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine from the bladder, while fecal incontinence is the inability to control the bowels. Several viable treatment options are available for both fecal and urinary incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence Cures

• There are many potential causes of urinary incontinence, including stress to the body, sudden urges to urinate and physical or mental conditions that impair a person's ability to reach a toilet before urination. Treatment options for urinary incontinence are varied and depend largely upon the cause of the disorder.

  Sometimes incontinence can be cured with relatively simple lifestyle changes. Exercises to train the bladder, such waiting several minutes before using the bathroom every time you need to urinate, can alleviate incontinence; performing exercises to strengthen the Kegel muscles may improve bladder control. Scheduling trips to the bathroom at certain times of the day can avoid sudden urges to urinate. Altering fluid intake also can reduce the need to urinate.

  If conservative measures fail, medications such as low doses of estrogen and anticholinergics, which can calm the bladder, may be effective in reducing incontinence. Several surgical procedures also can help prevent incontinence by supporting the bladder and urethra, which helps the urinary sphincter stay shut. In the event that urinary incontinence cannot be cured completely, absorptive pads or catheters can be used to reduce its impact.

Fecal Incontinence Cures

• Similar to urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence can be caused by a wide variety of factors, such as weakened muscles in the bowels, diarrhea, damaged nerves and surgery. Proper treatments address the underlying cause.

  In cases when incontinence is caused by diarrhea or constipation, medications that harden or soften stools can cure the incontinence. Laxatives also can be helpful for those suffering from constipation. Altering diet can have a large impact on fecal incontinence, too. Eating a diet high in fiber can alleviate problems with both constipation and diarrhea because it can soften stools while providing volume to stools, absorbing water.

  In more severe cases, surgery may be required. Surgical procedures for fecal incontinence focus on tightening and building up the strength of the anal sphincter. The sphincter also can be replaced by an artificial one. In severe cases, a surgical procedure called a colostomy can be performed; this diverts stools through an opening in the abdomen, allowing them to be collected in an ostomy bag.