The answer is “Yes it can”. Treatment for bladder weakness will depend on the type, its severity and the cause. If an underlying condition is causing your symptoms, your doctor will first treat that condition. Treatment ranges from lifestyle and behavioural techniques to medications and surgery.
Behavioural techniques
Bladder training, to delay urination after you get the urge to go. The goal is to lengthen the time between trips to the toilet until you’re urinating only every 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Double voiding, means urinating, then waiting a few minutes and trying again to help you learn to empty your bladder more completely to avoid overflow.
Scheduled toilet trips, to urinate every two to four hours rather than waiting for the need to go.
Fluid and diet management, to regain control of your bladder. You may need to cut back on or avoid alcohol, caffeine or acidic foods. Reducing liquid consumption, losing weight or increasing physical activity also can ease the problem.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises
Also known as Kegel exercises, these strengthen the muscles that help control urination. They are most effective for stress incontinence but may also help urge incontinence.
Medications
Medications include anticholinergics and mirabegron for urge incontinence. Alpha blockers are used for urge or overflow incontinence in men. Topical oestrogen in the form of a low-dose vaginal cream, ring or patch may be helpful for menopausal women.
Electrical stimulation
Electrodes are inserted into your rectum or vagina to stimulate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. It can be effective for stress incontinence and urge incontinence, but you may need multiple treatments over several months.
Medical devices
Devices designed to treat women with bladder weakness include a urethral insert, a small, tampon-like device inserted into the urethra before exercise that acts as a plug to prevent leakage, and a pessary, a flexible silicone ring inserted into the vagina and worn all day to help support the urethra and prevent urine leakage.
Interventional therapies
Interventional therapies that may help with bladder weakness include bulking material injections,
onabotulinum toxin A (Botox) and nerve stimulators.
Urinary incontinence surgery
If other treatments aren’t working, there are several surgical procedures can be undertaken. These include sling procedures and bladder neck suspension which provide support under the urethra and bladder neck. These are used to treat stress incontinence.
For women who have pelvic organ prolapse and mixed incontinence, surgery may include a combination of a sling procedure and prolapse surgery.
In some cases, an artificial urinary sphincter can be implanted around the bladder neck to keep the urinary sphincter shut until there’s a need to urinate.
Catheters
If medical or surgical treatment does not eliminate your bladder weakness, and your problem is that your bladder doesn’t empty properly, you may have to learn to insert a soft tube (catheter) into your urethra several times a day to drain your bladder.
Slips, protective underwear and pads
The reality of living with bladder weakness can be difficult, inhibiting social contact and activities due to fear of accidents. Using specially designed products such as protective underwear and pads can allow you to live life to the fullest and regain your confidence.
The ClemensTM range of products have been developed with your comfort and peace of mind as a top priority.
- Secure-dry system – up to 12 hours
- Simple, easy and expansive range including slips, protective underwear and pads
- Designed for a secure and comfortable fit
- Expert protection for a healthy dry skin
- Odour neutralising technology for your confidence
References:
Mayo Clinic. Patient Care & Health Information. Diseases & Conditions. Urinary incontinence. Diagnosis & Treatment. [Online] 9 Feb 2023. Accessed 15 Feb 2023. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352814
Healthline. Why Am I Experiencing Urinary Incontinence? [Online] 9 Feb 2022 Accessed 15 Mar 2022. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-incontinence#when-to-seek-help
