The best treatment for you will depend on the type of incontinence you have. Your symptoms, age, and any underlying problems that are found also affect your treatment.
Quitting smoking. Smoking can lead to a chronic cough that strains pelvic floor muscles. Smoking may also damage the bladder and urethra.
Losing weight. Excess weight puts extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. Exercising and eating right can help you lose weight. This helps other treatments work better.
Making certain diet changes. Some foods may make you need to urinate more, so it may be good to avoid them. These include caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Ask your doctor whether these or other diet changes might be helpful.
Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles act as a sling to help hold the bladder and urethra in place. These muscles also help keep the urethra closed. Weak pelvic floor muscles may allow urine to leak. To strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, do Kegel exercises daily. In a few months, the muscles will be stronger and tighter. This can help prevent urine leakage.
Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00
Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T08:40:44-06:00
Dr. Khan is an amazing doctor, she truly cares for her patients and gives them the needed time and attention. Dr. Khan is a very good person and I would highly recommend her. — E.P.
