Stress incontinence is urine leakage under stress. Many people experience this condition caused by laughing, sneezing, or coughing.
It happens when the pressure inside the belly becomes too strong for the bladder to stay closed. Weakened pelvic floor muscles or a problem with the urethral opening may cause peeing while coughing or sneezing etc.
If you are stressing over this condition, know there’s good news. It is very treatable. From lifestyle changes to highly advanced treatments like Empower RF, there are options out there that can help restore control for you. Check what’s available and figure out which might work best for you.
Causes Of Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence often arises when physical and hormonal factors weaken the pelvic floor or the bladder support. The leading causes are:
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: These events can stretch and weaken the pelvic muscles.
- Menopause: Lower levels of oestrogen impact the strength of vaginal and urethral tissues.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the bladder.
- Chronic Coughing: Conditions such as asthma or smoking-related coughing can strain the pelvic muscles over time.
Knowledge of the underlying cause of your stress incontinence can guide treatment choices.
Successful Strategies To Manage Stress Incontinence
- Tweaking Daily Habits
Simple changes to everyday habits may help to stop or ease symptoms.
- Healthy weight: Excess weight loss may relieve abdominal pressure on your bladder.
- Bladder irritants: Cut down on beverages that are high in caffeine, alcohol, and spicy food. They can make incontinence worse.
- Quit smoking: While reducing coughing, quitting the habit may also help protect the bladder.
These are often an early step in treatment but work incredibly well when integrated with other treatments.
- Exercising The Pelvic Floor Muscles
These would include strengthening the pelvic floor to improve bladder control and reducing the chances of peeing while coughing.
Kegel Exercises
You may repeatedly contract and relax these muscles. With consistent exercise, leakage can be decreased appreciably.
A physical therapist who specialises in pelvic floor conditions could provide training in the correct technique; such a professional could then construct an exercise plan tailored to your needs.
Pelvic floor exercises are low-risk and benefit mild and moderate cases of stress incontinence.
- Using A Vaginal Pessary
A pessary is a small, pliable piece of equipment placed inside the vagina to support the bladder and urethra. It helps most women who have light incontinence or look for a non-surgical answer. A health care professional can fit you for the proper pessary to provide you with comfort and effectiveness.
- Prescription Medications May Help
Medications may be helpful for many patients with stress incontinence.
- Topical Oestrogen: Available as creams, rings, or tablets, this can improve the strength of vaginal tissues in postmenopausal women.
- Duloxetine: A prescription drug that increases urethral sphincter strength by enhancing muscle tone.
While medications can help, they are often used alongside other treatments for better results.
- Surgical Solutions
For severe stress incontinence, surgery may be an option.
- Sling Procedures: A mesh sling is placed around the urethra to provide support.
- Bulk Agents: Injectables may thicken the urethra walls, decreasing leakage.
- Colposuspension: A more invasive procedure which elevates the bladder neck to improve support.
Risks, such as infection or prolonged recovery times are there along with the effectiveness of these treatments. Therefore, they should be used with caution.
- Advanced Energy-Based Treatments
Laser or radiofrequency (RF) treatments are the invasive solutions. These stimulate the production of collagen, thereby making the pelvic tissues elastic and strong. They are pain-free, fast, and without downtime, making them appealing to most.
Empower RF treatment is one of the new treatments introduced to treat stress incontinence at its root. Radiofrequency energy rejuvenates and strengthens the pelvic floor and the surrounding tissues. This technology has made it a safe, effective, and noninvasive solution for people seeking control and confidence.
Benefits Of Empower RF In Treating Stress Incontinence
- Stimulates Tissue Regeneration: Radiofrequency energy takes place deep in the tissues, helping promote collagen and improving elasticity.
- Non-Invasive: No cuts or anaesthesia are needed, and the procedure is painless.
- Customised Treatment: Every patient’s condition is addressed uniquely to maximise the benefits.
- Better Bladder Control: The pelvic muscles are stronger, thus providing more support to the bladder and urethra.
- Better Comfort: Many patients see improvement in their vaginal health and comfort.
- Fast and Easy: The treatment is usually done in less than 30 minutes with no downtime.
- Lasting Results: With frequent treatments, Empower RF can provide long-term relief for patients suffering from stress incontinence.
Is There a Cure for Stress Incontinence?
Stress incontinence doesn’t have to be the ruler of your life. From minor lifestyle adjustments to sophisticated treatments like Empower RF, there are answers for each step of the condition. Even though pelvic floor exercises and pessaries work wonderfully well for the less severe forms, Empower RF shines bright as a non-invasive approach with dramatic success for most.
If you are ready to take control, consult a healthcare professional about the best treatment plan. Empower RF is opening the way to noninvasive, convenient, and highly effective solutions to help you live life without worry.