Urinary incontinence: Behavioral treatments - I

Often, simply perform simple behavioral changes to reduce or eliminate incontinence.

Weight loss

Overweight and obesity in particular, may play a role in incontinence, since excess fat may put pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles. A small weight loss might give favorable results.

Adequate consumption of liquids - less caffeine

It is important to drink in moderation since an excessive amount of liquid may worsen incontinence and make you urinate more often. But it is important as well as your daily fluid intake is sufficient to ensure proper hydration. If you do not drink enough fluids, your urine becomes too concentrated and would be likely to irritate the bladder. Since caffeine is a diuretic, you may find it useful to limit your intake of drinks that contain it.

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are easy and can be done standing, sitting or lying. As they help strengthen the sphincter of the bladder neck and pelvic floor muscles, they are also designated exercises or pelvic muscle exercises pelvic floor. They are particularly useful in the treatment of urinary stress incontinence resulting from a weakening of the pelvic muscles and bladder.

Step 1. Find a comfortable position and separate your knees about 25 cm (10 inches).

Step 2. Tighten or tighten the muscles of the pelvis and rectum as if you were trying to stop a urination or bowel movements. Do not enter the stomach or buttocks.

Step 3. Tense the muscles for 5 to 10 seconds, then release them for 10 seconds.

Step 4. Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 from 12 to 20 times per session, and are planning three sessions to 5 sessions per day.

Remember to breathe normally while your Kegel exercises, and relax your buttocks and stomach.

Tell your doctor that you practice these exercises, and ask if you do them the right way.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a useful therapy for pelvic floor muscles, and is often used in conjunction with Kegel exercises. It helps you develop your exercises so you can make the most of it. Administered in hospitals for outpatient and clinic, biofeedback is a technique that requires the placement of electrodes gently into the body. The electrodes transmit information to a monitor on which you can monitor the functioning of the pelvic muscles.