The Effective Ways Seniors Can Treat Incontinence Issues

February 3, 2017

There’s no shame in experiencing incontinence; it can happen to anyone. From the bubbly teenager who drank a little too much water, to the mom who had her first baby, to the elderly man whose bladder isn’t as strong as it used to be, incontinence isn’t as uncommon as you may think. 

If incontinence is a personal a struggle for you, there are plenty of treatment methods to consider

What to do First?

The best course of action would be to see a doctor. By making an appointment with your doctor, they will be able to determine if the incontinence that you are experiencing is stress incontinence, if you leak unexpectedly, or urge incontinence. Once the distinction is made, you can be set up on a proper treatment plan.

Find a Treatment Plan That Works For You

Depending on the severity of incontinence, you can choose from non-drug therapies and standard medications.

Some non-drug therapies include Kegel exercises, and bladder training–keeping a log of urination and accidents while increasing the time between using the bathroom.

Studies also show that cutting back on drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can help lower incontinence rates. It may also help to get a sufficient amount of fiber in your daily diet and try to maintain a healthy diet (Source). For women with stress incontinence, a pessary can prove to be very helpful. A pessary devices shaped as a ring that you can insert to lift and support your bladder

Incontinence Medications

There are many medications that are approved for incontinence, mostly urge incontinence. With the guidance of your doctor, you can be prescribed Myrbetriq, Ditropan XL or its generic brand, Vesicare, and Detrol or the generic version as well (Source). Though these medications were specifically created for incontinence, they are not for everyone as there are many common side effects (constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurry vision and dizziness).

Many of these side effects have led to patients discontinuing the use of them. If these medications aren’t for you, you also have the option to get Botox injected into your bladder to help tighten the muscles, but please advise your doctor first before making any decisions.

Natural Incontinence Remedies

For more natural remedies, try taking magnesium supplements or Vitamin D.

• Magnesium is a mineral known for its assistance with nerve and muscle function. A small study revealed that more than half of the women who took magnesium hydroxide pills twice a day had improvements with their incontinence problems.
• Vitamin D has also proved to be a useful supplement for incontinence. Another study showed that women between the ages of 20 and older who had normal vitamin D levels were less likely to have an incontinence disorder

Electrical Stimulation To Treat Incontinence

Electrical stimulation is another treatment for incontinence patients. During this process, mild electric shocks are directed into the lower back or the pelvic area. This stimulation can strengthen the muscles that are involved in urination. Electrical stimulation has proven to be helpful for both urge and stress incontinence (Source).

Incontinence Supplies “Wearever” You Need Them

While you are searching for the perfect treatment that will help with your incontinence, we have you covered. At Wearever, we supply quality incontinence products for both men and women. Our incontinence briefs and incontinence panties that are easily affordable, durable, and discrete. 

Stop worrying about accidents while you sleep and check out our incontinence bed pads as well!