Relief for Incontinence

Millions of American women suffer from a lack of bladder control, called urinary incontinence. "Though urinary incontinence can be embarrassing, the good news is that the condition is very treatable," explains Robyn Leitner, M.D., urologist at Ocean Medical Center in Brick, New Jersey. "In fact, in many cases it can even be cured."

Types of Incontinence
The most common form of urinary incontinence is stress incontinence. Those with stress incontinence might find it hard to hold back urine when they cough, sneeze, or exercise.

With another type, urge incontinence, people feel the sudden need to use the restroom but cannot "hold" the urine long enough to reach it in time. "A simple physical examination and discussion of your health history is all a physician would need in order to recommend the best treatment plan for your type," Dr. Leitner explains.

Gaining Control
Once a diagnosis has been made, there are a variety of treatments that can help with all types of incontinence. Dr. Leitner recommends working with your doctor implement some of the following tips for controlling urinary incontinence:

• Begin a weight management program if you are overweight.
• Avoid coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate.
• Practice Kegel, or pelvic muscle, exercises. You can do them by tightening the pelvic floor muscles — as if to control urination — for about three seconds at a time before resting a few seconds. Repeat this 10 to 15 times.
• Seek bladder training for urge incontinence. With this treatment, urination is set for certain intervals that lengthen as control improves.

Some medicines — such as those used for a cold or high blood pressure — can also cause less urinary control. The next time you see your doctor, bring along a list of all over-thecounter and prescription medicines you take.

Your doctor may also recommend recourses such as medicines that can help tighten and strengthen pelvic floor muscles or calm overactive bladder muscles, urethral inserts, urine seals, or vaginal devices that help support the bladder.

"If you think you may be affected by urinary incontinence, I strongly urge you to take control of the situation by making an appointment to see a physician today, and start living life again," says Dr. Leitner.

To learn more about diagnosing and treating urinary incontinence, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Leitner or another physician in your area, call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990.