Health Tip: Controlling Urinary Incontinence

(HealthDay News) — Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the urge to urinate. It tends to become more of a problem as people age.

The womenshealth.gov Web site suggests these potential methods for controlling urinary incontinence:

  • Performing exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
  • Going to the bathroom habitually at certain times, which can help “retrain” the bladder.
  • Losing weight and quitting smoking.
  • Avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
  • Taking a medication designed to prevent urinary incontinence.
  • Applying electrical stimulation on nerves affecting bladder control.
  • Practicing biofeedback techniques.
  • Having surgery, if other methods aren’t successful.