Understanding and Managing Incontinence: Treatment Options

Incontinence can be either fecal or urinary. It is caused from pathological diseases, side effects to medications, infections or it can be caused by a lack of muscle strength as a result of aging. Regardless of why it happens, there are several different ways to cure it.

Contraction

• Performing Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles involved with urination. You can locate these muscles by stopping urine in mid-stream. They should should be contracted in counts of 10 seconds.

Cold Medicines

• Cold medicines like Sudafed can be used to control the smooth muscles in the urethra, which can counteract incontinence.

Injections

• Injections that contain agents to increase the function of the urethra can also be used. They contain substances like collagen and human fat.

Laxatives

• Fecal incontinence can also be the result of constipation. For that reason, laxatives and stool softeners might be utilized.

Diet

• Dietary changes can be made in the case of fecal incontinence. For example, water and fiber intake may be increased.

Repair

• If fecal incontinence gets to a point where it is severe, surgery to repair the muscles of the sphincter may be an option.