Highly Effective Ways To Manage An Uncontrollable Bladder

It is not a topic many sufferers often want to talk about, but incontinence, or lack of bladder control, is more common than one would think. About twenty-five million people in the United States are affected, and seventy-five to eighty percent of those are women. There are a number of treatment options, from medications and surgery to natural remedies. The key is determining what works for each person and discussing what is available with a doctor or naturopath.

Exercise

Kegal exercises strengthen the muscles used for controlling the flow of urine and are one of the main remedies recommended by doctors. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, patients can expect to see gains in as little as six to twelve weeks. The pelvic floor muscles will become stronger and better able to support the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum. The exercises are often used when the muscles are weakened from pregnancy and age.

Losing Weight

Being overweight can create bladder control issues because the excess fat puts additional strain on the bladder and pelvic muscles. A larger body mass index increases the chances of developing problems associated with urine control. Obesity may also impact the reaction time of nerves, thereby delaying the communication between nerve signals and the bladder. Treatments include losing weight through lifestyle or surgical means, medication and pelvic exercises.

Magnesium

Since magnesium is an essential mineral for muscles and nerves, it is necessary to maintain adequate amounts to ensure proper bladder function. A balanced diet, to include magnesium-rich foods like corn, potatoes, and bananas, will do the trick. Supplements are also available. When incontinence is a problem, it is often due to muscle spasms, and it is believed magnesium helps control these involuntary twitches, enabling urine to flow through the bladder with ease.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is necessary for proper bone growth and long-term strength. Studies suggest it is also beneficial to reduce the risk of developing an uncontrollable bladder. One study in 2010 discovered female participants over the age of twenty with adequate levels of Vitamin D had fewer incidences of pelvic floor issues. People who live in areas with little sunlight or have inadequate diets are often deficient in Vitamin D. Milk, eggs, and fish are good sources, and it is also recommended that Vitamin D be taken with magnesium as well.

Biofeedback

A pricey, but effective management tool is biofeedback because it allows a person to understand how the body works by using electronic sensors to track muscle function. "Physical therapists use biofeedback to help patients understand what muscles they should contract during Kegel exercises, and/or improve the performance of these muscles by providing visual feedback to the patient during the training session," says Dr. Zimmern of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Pessary

A pessary is a temporary plastic vaginal tool designed to support the bladder and vagina. The ring-shaped device is inserted to lift and support the bladder and is used predominantly for incontinence caused by coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Some women use a pessary for a few days while others have it in place more long-term. It may prevent accidents better than pads and liners and is more discrete.

Surgery

When all other treatment options fail, surgery may be an option for some incontinence sufferers. Several procedures are offered, including one that improves bladder support and positioning. Another type uses a sling method to provide support to the urethra and subsequently enhances urine flow. Alternately, nerves in and around the pelvic floor can be activated using simulators placed under the skin.

Bladder Training

Training the bladder requires both the mind and body to be able to control physical urges to empty the organ. It is not a quick fix and requires delaying trips to the bathroom by longer increments each time. Recommendations suggest using a journal to track how often you go to the bathroom. Start with a ten-minute delay before urinating and work up to twenty minutes. Ideally, people build up to relieving themselves every four hours.

Stop Smoking And Limit Caffeine

Two mainstream addictions are on the list of causes of incontinence. Smoking has been linked to an uncontrollable urge to urinate because the chemicals in cigarettes aggravate the bladder. Smoking also creates harsh coughing, and its long-term effects can include too much pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor. Caffeine overload is associated with increased bathroom use due to irritation of the bladder. The diuretic also exacerbates muscle contractions.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used by trained individuals for anything from pain management to fertility issues. It can also help maintain control of the bladder. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment involving the use of needles inserted into specific points of the body based on the condition. For incontinence, points vary from the pelvic area to the leg and foot. Like all acupuncture treatments, including the number of sessions, the protocol can be customized for each patient.