Member: I find myself going to the bathroom more frequently than I used to and sometimes have trouble holding it. What can I do to better control my bladder? —Natasha, Maple Grove
Dr. Fendrich: That’s a great question, Natasha, and you aren’t alone. Urinary incontinence, or accidental urine leakage, can happen to anyone. It’s common in older adults, but especially older women.
Incontinence may occur due to weak or overactive bladder muscles or damage to nerves from other diseases such as diabetes, or even arthritis, which can make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time. For men, incontinence can be related to previous issues or treatment of the prostate gland.
Treatment
You might not realize that it is very important that you discuss incontinence with your doctor. She/he can ask you about your symptoms and help you identify what type of incontinence you’re experiencing. A doctor may also want to take urine and blood tests, as well as tests to measure how you empty your bladder.
There are many treatment options to improve bladder control, but they depend on your lifestyle and the severity of your condition. Bladder control training is a good place to start. Some examples might include:
- Pelvic muscle exercises that strengthen the muscles that you use to stop urinating.
- Creating a schedule where you urinate on a set time every hour, while slowly lengthening bathroom trips, may make it easier to control incontinence over time.
- Biofeedback, a technique that uses sensors to help you regain control of your body’s functions, such as the muscles in your bladder or urethra.
Medications
Medications may also help you control your bladder. Some medicines can stop bladder contractions that make you feel like you have to urinate when your bladder isn’t full. Others relax your bladder muscles, increasing how much urine your bladder can hold, and can help you empty your bladder. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your incontinence concerns and have her/ him create a plan for you.