Other Treatments For Bladder Weakness
The good news is that many bladder control problems can be cured and all can be managed. Bladder control loss may be a symptom of an underlying ailment that warrants medical attention, or simply a side effect of certain medications.
Some of the treatments that might be recommended include:
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Your doctor might recommend that you learn to practice pelvic floor exercises, which help women strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor during pregnancy and after childbirth. Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Bladder Training Program
The aim of bladder training is to improve bladder control and increase the amount of urine the bladder can hold without urgency or leakage of urine.
A bladder training program teaches people to hold on longer between visits to the toilet. When the bladder is sensitive or overactive, learning to ‘hold on’ can be difficult initially, but for many it becomes easier with practice.
If your physician suggests bladder training, a bladder diary as well as a schedule of activities that normally make up your day, will be important in developing a successful program for you.
Biofeedback
In addition to pelvic floor exercises, your doctor may recommend biofeedback to help you identify and control the muscles located around the bladder opening.
In a clinic or similar setting, small sensors are temporarily placed in contact with your body. As you practice contracting muscles around the bladder opening, the sensors give you a signal, usually an audible tone or movement on a visual display or graph, indicating when you have correctly contracted the right muscles. This helps maximise your pelvic floor exercises.
Medication
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication either alone, or in combination with behavioural treatment to help restore bladder control.
Be aware that some medications may actually contribute to bladder control problems, so be sure your doctor knows about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs you’re taking. All medications should be taken under the care of a physician.
Surgery
Your doctor may suggest surgery as a way to treat your bladder control loss in which case you will be referred to a surgeon who will counsel you on the best treatment, including the advantages and risks.
Fortunately, increased awareness has helped promote a greater understanding of bladder control in today’s society. Healthcare providers are helping people manage and treat bladder control loss so they can go on and keep doing the things they have always enjoyed.