How to treat urinary incontinence depends on the type, severity, and its root cause. Urinary incontinence is defined as the unintentional release of urine. In most cases a physical exam will be needed to help the doctor determine what the actual cause of your over active bladder is. While anyone can get this infliction it is most often found in older people.

The doctor may try the least invasive treatment first, such as behavior treatment. This treatment involves lifestyle changes; however it does work for many who try it. Bladder training is trying to hold in the urine when you have the urge to go. The ultimate goal is to start holding it for a small time period and increasing the time each time you have the urge. Eventually you could build this up to two to four hours.

Bladder training can also involve what is called double voiding. You will urinate, and then wait a few minutes and try again. This is done to teach your bladder to completely empty itself. Additionally, you might be instructed to try and control the urge to go. This is accomplished by learning to relax, or engage in an activity when the urge strikes.

You may also be asked to try scheduling your toilet visits. In other words, you try and train your bladder to urinate by the clock instead of the urge. Your target is get the routine down to every two to four hours. Pelvic muscles that are weak contribute to an over-active bladder. Your doctor may issue you some exercises to strengthen these muscles in an effort to regain urinary control.

Sometimes medication is needed to get control of the situation. Anticholinergics are medicines used to calm an over-active bladder. These medicines can have side effects, like dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. Imipramine and Duloxetine are anti-depressants and are sometimes prescribed for incontinence. There are times when surgery is needed to help alleviate the problem.

While not a treatment, there are many pads and undergarments that can be used to help you take control of the problem. These products go a long way in avoiding embarrassing moments. If your bladder does not empty properly it may become necessary to insert a catheter a few times a day into the urethra to combat over-active bladder. This can help control urine leakage especially if you have overflow incontinence.