How can I manage my urinary incontinence?
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Daily treatment for urinary incontinence should focus on treating the causes of the incontinence, which can help to reduce or eliminate accidents. Talk to your doctor about specific treatments or lifestyle changes that may help you manage your incontinence. If you have functional incontinence, for example, you simply cannot make it to the bathroom in time because of impairment, like arthritic hands that have a difficult time unbuttoning pants. In this case, you may find wearing pants that are easier to get off or adding a bathroom to a more convenient place in your house is enough. You may also wear absorbent pads or extra clothing, but if your urinary incontinence is enough to interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor about more long-term treatments.
Daily treatment for urinary incontinence should focus on treating the causes of the incontinence, which can help to reduce or eliminate accidents. Talk to your doctor about specific treatments or lifestyle changes that may help you manage your... More -
Dr. Marc Garnick answered:Even if your urinary incontinence can't be cured, it can be managed. Absorbent underclothing is available that's no more bulky than normal underwear and can be worn easily under everyday clothing. Highly absorbent disposable pads are available in drug stores.
In another approach, a flexible tube (called an indwelling catheter) can be placed in the urethra to collect urine in a container. However, long-term catheterization, although sometimes necessary, can create many problems, including urinary infections. Finally, an external collecting device is another option for men. This device is fitted over the penis and connected to a drainage bag. These procedures are used when other alternatives cannot be offered because of existing medical conditions or other co-morbidities.
Even if your urinary incontinence can't be cured, it can be managed. Absorbent underclothing is available that's no more bulky than normal underwear and can be worn easily under everyday clothing. Highly absorbent disposable pads are available in... More
