Urinary Incontinence Treatment and Long-Term Management Strategies
Urinary incontinence is a common condition, affecting millions of people in India and worldwide. A May 2025 study on ResearchGate reported that stress urinary incontinence was observed in 38% of 219 women, with the highest prevalence in the 41–50 age group. Mostly, the cause is age-related pelvic floor weakening.
Another report published by the Cleveland Clinic highlights that it can affect anyone, regardless of age, with global prevalence reaching up to 62% in women (age 20 and older) and around 14% in men. For readers looking specifically for treatment for urinary incontinence in elderly female patients, it is important to understand that care often depends on overall health, symptoms, and the underlying cause. It highlights the need to understand effective urinary incontinence treatment options. Continue reading to explore.
What are the Effective Urinary Incontinence Treatments?
Urinary incontinence is a medical condition where a person loses control of their bladder and leaks urine. It is very embarrassing and has a significant negative impact on their life. How is it treated? It depends on the type of continence. A healthcare provider also considers your age and pre-existing disease and then recommends a plan that is most suitable for you.
3 main types of treatment for urinary incontinence are:
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Surgery or other procedures
Which Medications are Used in the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence?
There are several medications available to reduce the leakage of urine. Some drugs relax the bladder muscle or reduce involuntary contractions and are prescribed for overactive bladder. Some medications help reduce bladder spasms or improve bladder storage; separate treatments may be used for incomplete emptying depending on the cause.
Here are the names of some common urinary incontinence medications:
- Oxybutynin, oxybutynin XL and oxybutynin TDDS
- Darifenacin
- Vibegron
- Tolterodine
- Trospium
- Solifenacin
- Mirabegron
- Fesoterodine
At the start of urinary incontinence treatment, your doctor may prescribe a low dose of medications to see how well urinary incontinence treatment work. Then increase the dose gradually. This approach helps reduce the risk of side effects while treating urine leakage.
What Lifestyle Changes Do You Need to Make to Deal with Urinary Incontinence?
Making changes in your everyday life plays a crucial role in treating urinary incontinence. However, such changes may not work for all types of incontinence. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider before making any adjustments.
Common changes may include:
Voiding Method
It means you urinate according to a schedule you have set beforehand instead of whenever you feel the urge to release.
Pee Before Heavy Physical Activity
Physical activity creates heavy pressure on the bladder. So you should release your pee before starting any heavy physical activity, such as exercise, to avoid leaks.
No Heavy Objects
People dealing with uncontrollably leaking pee should not lift heavy objects. Ask for help whenever you need to move or lift something heavy or large.
Kegel Exercises
They are simple, repetitive and relaxing exercises that can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It is beneficial for all ages, particularly after pregnancy or surgery.
Limit Certain Drinks
People dealing with urinary incontinence should not drink lots of fluids, especially caffeinated beverages, before going to bed at night or starting any physical activity.
Bladder Retraining
Retraining your bladder is also helpful. It includes holding your pee in the bladder for a longer period. Suppose 30 minutes. Then gradually increase the time by 5 to 10 minutes. Over time, this helps your bladder hold urine for up to three to four hours.
Vaginal Insert
It refers to an over-the-counter device that doctors suggest you insert into your vagina. Vaginal inserts (such as pessaries) help support the bladder and urethra, which can reduce stress urinary incontinence.
What are the Surgical and Other Procedures to Treat Urinary Incontinence?
If medications and lifestyle changes do not bring noticeable improvement, a healthcare provider may suggest surgery as a urinary incontinence treatment. These may include:
Bulking Agents
Modern bulking agents are made with long-lasting materials. Doctors inject it into the tissues surrounding the urethra and sphincter, near the bladder neck. They help support the natural closing mechanism of the urethra, reducing urine leakage and improving bladder control.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter
It is an inflatable medical device that doctors usually implant around the urethra. It is the most common stress urinary incontinence treatment for males. The device comprises three parts: a fluid-filled cuff, a pressure-sensing balloon in the abdomen, and a pump in the scrotum or labia to control fluid movement.
Sling Surgery
It is the most common surgical treatment for females with stress urinary incontinence. Sling surgery typically takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the procedure and patient factors. The procedure may be performed under general, spinal, or local anaesthesia, and recovery time varies by individual and surgical method.
Bladder Neck Suspension
In this stress urinary incontinence treatment for women, doctors lift and secure the bladder neck towards the pubic bone using permanent stitches to improve support and prevent leakage. It is a more extensive surgery that involves an abdominal incision, so recovery may take longer. However, in some cases, doctors can perform it laparoscopically, which may reduce recovery time.
Hormonal Treatment
Local vaginal or urethral estrogen therapy helps manage urinary incontinence in females, especially after menopause. It improves the health of vaginal tissues, the bladder neck, and the urethra, which can reduce irritation and ease symptoms. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine the right approach.
Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC)
It is a procedure used to empty the bladder. A continence adviser will teach the process of inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the urethra into the bladder, which is then removed after urine drains. How often to do CIC? It depends on the patient’s medical condition.
Wrapping Up
Regaining bladder control is possible with the right urinary incontinence treatment and timely care. From medication and simple lifestyle changes to advanced surgical options, doctors can effectively manage it irrespective of the stage. So, don't let discomfort affect your confidence or daily life; seek medical advice early.
Reader information: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional based on individual health needs. Always consult your doctor before starting any medication, lifestyle change, or medical procedure.
FAQ's
1. What is the urinary incontinence treatment for elderly males?
To treat urinary incontinence in elderly males, doctors mostly focus on behavioural changes, pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), and medication. If surgery is needed, healthcare providers often prefer artificial urinary sphincters, male slings, and bulking agents.
2. How do you fix urinary incontinence naturally?
To fix urinary incontinence naturally, you need to follow several self-help tips and make lifestyle changes such as doing pelvic floor exercises, losing excess weight, stopping smoking and alcohol, avoiding lifting heavy objects and taking caffeinated beverages.
3. Can a gynaecologist treat urinary incontinence?
Uncontrollably leaking pee is an issue that is primarily treated by urologists, urogynecologists, and gynaecologists, who have specialisation in treating bladder and pelvic floor.
