In order to urinate, the sphincter muscle has to be able to relax. But there are a lot of anti-spasmodic medications to relax the smooth muscles like the bladder. For many women, incontinence can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. In fact, concentration of hormone receptors in this area is among the highest in the body. The most successful treatment of incontinence in women, particularly when stress is a factor, remains surgery-with 85 percent of those who undergo surgery remaining continent after five years.
Physicians use two different procedures to reposition a bladder that has slipped.
In suspension surgery, the position of the bladder is reestablished by suturing it to the abdominal wall. Researchers are also developing new materials to take the place of collagen, which is used successfully to treat incontinence. Injecting collagen into the muscle around the urethra causes a narrowing of the outlet and successfully prevents leakage, says Skinner. At USC, many patients avoid both medications and surgery thanks to an innovative rehabilitative therapy based on biofeedback. Working with electrodes that give positive feedback, therapists help patients gain greater control of the muscles involved in urination.