Knowing the type of incontinence affecting someone and its cause, especially among men affected by prostate cancer, allows to find solutions to treat effectively this issue.
In fact, there are many ways to reduce or eradicate the incontinence; some are smooth and natural while others need an external intervention. Moreover, some products are available to manage the inconveniences until the problem gets solved.
Natural Methods
It is possible to end the incontinence after a prostate cancer treatment by retraining the bladder. The principle is to learn to delay the urination after the urge is passed, by scheduling the trips to the toilet every two or three hours, for example, and then by adding another hour after some time. Furthermore, some exercises, such as Kegel’s, can be done to strengthen the pelvic muscles and hold the urine longer.
Modifying some habits, such as stop consuming some food and fluids and manage the ingestion time, can also impact a lot on incontinence. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks highly stimulate the bladder, which can cause urge incontinence, while spices, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and their juices can have irritant effects on the bladder. Hence, they must be avoided. In addition, it is better to ingest a limited amount of fluid a few hours before bedtime.
External Interventions
Sometimes, retraining and habits modification are not enough and a little help is necessary. It is possible, for example, to stimulate pelvic floor muscles with a low-voltage electric current.
Besides, if prostate cancer treatments can provoke incontinence, some medication help reduce urinary leakages and their frequency, notably by making the bladder less irritable. Medication can also be necessary if the urethra is blocked.
In the most serious cases, if the incontinence continues and affects the life quality, someone may have to use surgery. However, it is important to discuss every other option with a physician before getting there.
Urinary control products
Until the bladder’s health gets better, incontinence’s effects can be mitigated and managed by using some specialized products. These are not treatments and can be found in pharmacies and such.
Protective undergarments are the most known and many are suited for men. There are also condoms catheters, which the end is open and connected to an urine bag attached to the leg. It must simply be emptied when full. And, finally, the penile clamp is used to press the urethra gently to prevent any urinary leakage.
With all these means available, you will certainly manage to eliminate the annoyance related to incontinence from your life and to leave the prostate cancer consequences in the past.
Our next article will focus on resources for male incontinence.
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