Non-surgical Treatment

Treating urinary incontinence depends on the type of incontinence diagnosed as well as its severity.

• Lifestyle modification – your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and caffeine, losing weight or increasing your physical activity.
• Behavioral techniques:
  • Biofeedback – to help gain awareness and control of pelvic floor muscles.
  • Bladder training – delaying urination after you get the urge to go, or urinating, then waiting a few minutes and trying again. This can help you learn how to empty your bladder.
  • Schedule toilet trips – going to the bathroom according to a schedule rather than waiting for the urge to go.
• Physical therapy – exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles (e.g., Kegel exercises).
• Electrical stimulation – gentle stimulation may strengthen pelvis floor muscles.
• Medications:
  • Anticholingergics – these medications calm overactive bladders and help with urge incontinence.
  • Estrogen – Estrogen in the form of a vaginal cream or patch may help rejuvenate urethra and vaginal tissue.
  • Imipramine – an antidepressant that may help those who suffer from both urge and stress incontinence.
  • Dulozetime – an antidepressant that may help with stress incontinence.
• Medical devices:
  • Urethral insert – a tampon like device that is used to prevent leaking urine during a certain activity, such as an aerobic activity.
  • Pessary – a stiff ring inserted into the vagina the helps hold up the bladder to prevent leading urine.