Female Incontinence

Underlying Problem Requiring Female Incontinence Treatment:
It is estimated that more than 13 million American women have female incontinence problems, more than twice as many as the number of men suffering from the same problem. The likelihood of female incontinence increases with age and can be worsened by childbirth. Sports injuries and certain medications are other common causes.

Female incontinence is generally categorized as stress incontinence (leaks during coughing, laughing, sneezing, etc.), urge incontinence (also called "overactive bladder"), mixed incontinence (more than one type of incontinence), or overflow incontinence (inability to empty the bladder leading to dribbling).

Treatment:

The first step in treating female incontinence is often to make some lifestyle changes. Drinking less water in one sitting may help, as will cutting diuretics (like caffeinated drinks) from the diet. Urinating more often may help, and learning the behavior of tightening pelvic muscles when laughing or coughing can also make a difference. Practicing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles is another simple approach.

There are a growing number of surgical and medical options available to treat female incontinence, too. Some doctors may inject collagen into tissues around the urethra to provide enough pressure to prevent leaking. Urge incontinence may be helped with medications called anticholingergics. There are more than 300 possible surgeries that may offer help for female incontinence, as well. One of the more recent advancements is a sling that is surgically implanted to help support the tissues of the pelvis.

Recovery:

Different treatment options will require different recovery periods and practices, so it is necessary for patients to pay close attention to the instructions given by their doctors. Surgeries will likely require some time off of work, while medications may need to be adjusted to get the proper results. There will usually be follow-up appointments with the doctor, regardless of the treatment method chosen.

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