Solutions for Your Urinary Incontinence

If you’re struggling with urinary incontinence, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem for women, especially those who are pregnant, postpartum, or going through menopause.  Dr. Andrea Olanescu of Medical Care for Women in Astoria, New York, diagnoses and treats urinary incontinence so you can feel confident again. 

In this article, Dr. Olanescu discusses solutions for urinary incontinence, including both lifestyle modifications and medical treatments.

Lifestyle changes to help manage urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence can quickly dampen your mood and prevent you from participating in activities you enjoy. These three lifestyle changes can help you reduce the risk of accidental leaking. 

1. Avoid bladder irritants

Some foods and drinks can irritate your bladder more than others. Examples of bladder irritants include caffeine, citrus fruits and drinks, and alcohol. Avoiding these triggers can ease your symptoms.

2. Watch the clock

Ideally, you should empty your bladder once every three hours. Keeping this in mind, you should monitor your fluid intake and try to make sure you’re near a restroom at this time. If you’re planning on going for a jog or walk in the neighborhood, use the restroom before leaving your home. Schedule your fluid consumption so you don’t drink a lot right before your commute or a long meeting.

3. Use a pad or protective undergarments

Using a pad won’t treat the underlying condition, but it can make you feel more confident in social settings. In addition to sanitary napkins, you can also wear protective undergarments designed to keep you dry and prevent moisture from touching (and irritating) your skin.

Urinary incontinence treatments

Lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping you avoid embarrassment, but they don’t solve the underlying cause of urinary incontinence. Menopause, childbirth, pregnancy, and urinary tract obstructions all contribute to the development of urinary incontinence. 

At Medical Care for Women PC, Dr. Olanescu suggests the appropriate solution depending on the cause of your incontinence and the severity of your symptoms. Potential treatment options include pelvic floor rehab, laser therapy, and medication. 

Pelvic floor rehab

Pelvic floor rehab is designed to combat incontinence by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. Rehab can include the following: 

• Therapeutic exercises
• Bladder training and functional retraining
• Relaxation techniques
• Electrical stimulation (also called e-stim)

Because it can take weeks for your muscles to strengthen, it may take up to eight weeks for you to see a reduction in your symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to continue your exercise routine even if you don’t see a difference at first. 

Laser therapy

MonaLisa Touch restores vaginal functionality through a minimally invasive procedure that relies on laser energy to restore vaginal tissues, combat vaginal atrophy, and strengthen your vaginal wall. The procedure takes only 3-5 minutes and general anesthesia isn’t required.

Medication

Depending on the cause of your incontinence, you may find that medication is the right solution for you. Dr. Olanescu can suggest a variety of medications, including topical estrogen, anticholinergics, and alpha blockers. Mirabegron is also used to treat overactive bladder.

Which solution is right for you?

When it comes to treating urinary incontinence, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. During your consultation with Dr. Olanescu, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your personal health history and your symptoms. After pinpointing the cause of your incontinence, Dr. Olanescu creates an individualized treatment plan that may include both lifestyle modifications as well as treatments, prescriptions, or procedures. 

If you’re embarrassed about urinary incontinence, contact our office today to learn more about your treatment options. You can schedule an appointment by calling 718-278-0888 or by booking an appointment online.