Urinary incontinence is an embarrassing problem that few people are at liberty to talk of. Earlier, urinary incontinence was thought to affect the old but nowadays, it affecting people across both genders and age groups. However, over 75% of all those seeking urinary incontinence treatment are the womenfolk.

Different interventions are made by doctors depending on the type and severity of your urinary incontinence. The urologist may suggest performing a surgery, prescribe some drugs or teach you some exercises for bladder training and strengthen muscles at the pelvic. There are several conservative treatments available for the problem. However, if the cause of the incontinence is another ailment, you have to be treated for the ailment prior or along with treatment for incontinence. Common conditions that cause incontinence include fistula, which is a tear in the uterus due to prolonged labor during childbirth and enlargement of prostrate gland in men.

Lifestyle changes are one of the conservative treatments that do not involve any medical intervention whatever. The doctor may suggest that drop some behaviors and adopt better ones to improve the situation. You may also be forced to lower the amount of fluids you take on a daily basis to lower urine production in your body.

Intake of lots of fluids containing caffeine also leads to production of large amounts of urine in the body. Caffeine is a major ingredient in many energy drinks, cola and coffee. One may be advised to limit the intake of such drinks. Research has also shown the obesity affects the proper functioning of pelvic floor muscles. If the patient is overweight, he may be advised on ways of cutting on weight to improve his health.

There are muscles at the pelvic area that control the passage of urine. They are found around the urethra and the bladder and keep the passage shut until one is ready to urinate. If they get weak or some condition damages them, they may be strengthened by a therapy. The therapy involves physical contraction of the muscles by a patient. It is performed at least thrice a day with at least eight contractions every session. The progress of patient is monitored by the doctor and program adjusted accordingly.

For those whose pelvic floor muscles do not respond to the therapy above, electrical stimulation could be of assistance. Electrical stimulation is done by a small device inserted in a vagina or the anus if the patient is a man. It measures the electrical charges in the floor muscles and releases small electrical pulses for further stimulation. It is a bit uncomfortable but great if done together with the therapy.

If you are diagnosed with urge incontinence, bladder training may be the very first treatment that you would encounter. This may be offered together with pelvic training above. This training involves techniques to help increase the length of time between when you felt the urge to urinate and the actual time you pass the urine. The training takes about a month and half.

Vaginal cones may be used if you are woman with weak muscles at the pelvic floor. The urologist may insert small weights into your vagina which you are supposed to hold with the same muscles. Weights continue getting heavier as you improve. This treatment is good if you are suffering from stress incontinence.