Urge incontinence

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Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Another form of electrical stimulation called sacral neuromodulation involves the placement of a "bladder pacemaker," which stimulates the bladder nerves. This device may provide excellent relief of symptoms for those who do not respond to other therapies.

BOTOX

An experimental therapy involves injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into the bladder muscle to help stop the involuntary contracts that lead to urge incontinence. Early study results suggest this is a promising treatment option for those who do not respond to other therapies.

ACTIVITY

People with urge incontinence may find it helpful to avoid activities that irritate the urethra and bladder, such as taking bubble baths or using caustic soaps in the genital area.

MONITORING

Urinary incontinence is a chronic (long-term) problem. Although you may be considered cured by various treatments, you should continue to see your provider to evaluate the progress of your symptoms and monitor for possible complications of treatment.

How well you do depends on your symptoms, an accurate diagnosis, and proper treatment. Many patients must try different therapies (some at the same time) to reduce symptoms.

Instant improvement is unusual. Perseverance and patience are usually required to see improvement. A small number of patients need surgery to control their symptoms.

Physical complications are rare, but psychosocial problems may arise, particularly if incontinence results from an inability to get to the bathroom when urgency arises.

Call your health care provider for an appointment if symptoms are causing you problems, if pelvic discomfort or burning with urination occurs, or if symptoms occur daily.

Review Date: 06/13/2006
Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.