Treat Incontinence

Many sufferers find incontinence an embarrassing topic and therefore do not talk about it – even with a doctor. However, if you have problems holding urine or stool, you should always see a doctor. For this person, the topic is not new or unusual – so do not delay a visit to the doctor unnecessarily. The treatment that is suitable for you in particular always depends on the form of incontinence. Until the therapy is effective, there are various aids such as inserts or diapers that can increase your quality of life.

First treat conservatively

For certain causes, such as extraurethral incontinence or an enlarged prostate, surgery is usually always necessary. Similarly, problems with the urethra often need to be addressed through surgery. And for a bladder that is overactive or unable to empty on its own, a bladder pacemaker can help. However, conservative methods should always be exhausted before surgery. Conservative methods include taking medication. Anticholinergics are prescribed for urge incontinence, alpha receptor blockers for overflow incontinence, and parasympatholytics for reflex incontinence. You may also need to have a catheter placed for reflex incontinence or overflow incontinence. It is also important to exercise the pelvic floor muscles. This can be done either actively through special gymnastic exercises or passively through electrotherapy. In this case, the muscles in the pelvic floor are trained by electrical impulses. Toilet training can also be helpful: Here, together with your doctor, you determine drinks and drinking quantity as well as fixed toilet times.

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles

Pelvic floor exercise is highly recommended, especially for stress incontinence, because the pelvic floor supports the sphincter muscle of the bladder. A strong pelvic floor can therefore prevent incontinence. The training ensures that the muscles in the area of the pelvic floor are specifically strengthened. It is best to learn the training together with a physiotherapist. This way you can ensure that you perform the exercises correctly and that the training is also effective. Alternatively, here are 10 pelvic floor exercises that you can easily do at home.

First aid for fecal incontinence

Methods such as pelvic floor exercises, electrotherapy as well as toilet training can also be helpful for fecal incontinence. In consultation with the treating physician, laxatives or mobility inhibitors may also be used to stimulate the colon to eliminate stool or to reduce the frequency of bowel movements. However, fecal incontinence can often be significantly improved by a change in dietary habits. Regular consumption of foods rich in fiber is recommended. On the other hand, you should avoid flatulent foods as much as possible, as well as alcohol and coffee. Through surgery, a pacemaker can be inserted to improve the interaction of the pelvic floor, bowel, sphincter and brain. In addition, surgery can sew up an injured sphincter or insert an artificial sphincter. Major surgery is also possible, depending on the cause.

Diapers and pads for incontinence.

To make everyday life with urinary and fecal incontinence as bearable as possible, there are various remedies. Apply these remedies until long-term treatment takes effect. Thanks to the remedies, you can go about your daily life without worrying that someone will notice your incontinence. Typical aids for incontinence are absorbent pads, incontinence diapers and anal tampons. For men, there is also what is called a condom urinal: This is a condom-like construction through which urine is directed into a separate bag.

More tips for incontinence

  • Go to the toilet regularly – neither too infrequently nor too often. If you go to the bathroom too often, the bladder gets used to the small amounts of urine and can no longer store larger amounts. On the other hand, if you go too infrequently, the bladder muscles can become overstretched and bladder function can be disrupted.
  • Refrain from foods that irritate the bladder. This includes, for example, coffee and spicy foods. If there is fecal incontinence, especially flatulent foods are unsuitable.A diet rich in fiber, on the other hand, can have a positive effect.
  • If you are overweight, you should try to lose a few kilos. Because overweight increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity, which can further aggravate existing incontinence. If you lose some weight, usually also the pelvic floor training shows a better effect.
  • If you have urinary incontinence, take enough fluid despite the discomfort. Otherwise, the urge to urinate increases even further due to the concentrated urine. Likewise, the risk of cystitis may increase.