Incontinence can be acute, with a sudden onset, or chronic, meaning that it occurs on a regular basis. Some acute causes of incontinence include mental confusion, restricted mobility, urinary tract or prostate infection, stool impaction, side effects of medications, increased urine amounts or psychological factors. Depending on the type and cause of your bladder problem, treatment options vary. These involve a slow tightening, lifting and drawing in of the pelvic floor muscle, and a quick contraction to work the muscles that stop the flow of urine. Biofeedback or electrical stimulation.
Progressive resistance exercises with vaginal cones or weights.
Pessaries or urethral inserts to prevent leakage or control urine flow. For example, surgery can relieve an obstruction or correct a deformity of the bladder neck and urethra, and some women need a uterine or pelvic suspension operation. Medications to calm overactive bladder muscles, dietary changes to exclude foods and drinks that irritate your bladder and incontinence products, such as absorbent pads, can also be used to manage incontinence. Without treatment, incontinence can cause unnecessary social isolation, anxiety and even other medical conditions. If you experience any symptoms of incontinence, talk to your physician assistant.