How to treat urge incontinence
Disease description:
The elderly in my family have been experiencing an inability to hold urine for quite some time. I'd like to ask the doctor, how should this condition be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Treatment methods for urge incontinence (inability to hold urine) include the following:
1. Behavioral therapy: Includes scheduled urination, bladder training, and pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegel exercises, which help enhance urinary control.
2. Estrogen supplementation: Applicable for urinary incontinence caused by reduced estrogen levels in the elderly, such as estradiol tablets.
3. Antibiotic use: Such as norfloxacin and ofloxacin, applicable for bacterial infections causing cystitis or urinary tract infections.
4. Biofeedback: Utilizes monitoring devices to track bladder filling and teaches control techniques, which can help manage urge incontinence.
5. Electrical stimulation: Involves applying electrical stimulation to the pelvic floor nerves to improve muscle function, thereby alleviating symptoms of urge incontinence.
6. Surgical treatment: Patients with stress urinary incontinence may opt for surgical procedures such as tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) mid-urethral sling surgery. Surgery may also be considered for conditions like cystitis or urinary tract infections if medication proves ineffective.
