Bladder control problems sound trivial, but for those affected, it can cause immense psychological distress. Millions of people suffer from some form of incontinence ranging from needing to pee all the time, needing to pee within seconds of experiencing the urge to go, to stress incontinence; an inability to control bladder function.

Many people are too embarrassed to visit a urologist, but there are treatments available for bladder control problems.

Diet

The first thing to try if you suffer from an overactive bladder or urinary urgency is to cut out alcohol, caffeine and anything else that might be triggering your symptoms. For some people, this does the trick.

Medication

For those patients who suffer from an overactive bladder, medication can be effective. Anticholinergic medications block the signals between the bladder and the brain. In a normal person, the bladder only sends a signal to the brain when it’s full. In a person with an overactive bladder, something goes wrong and the brain thinks the bladder is full, even when it’s not.

Speak to your urologist about medications that might help ease the symptoms of an overactive bladder, but be aware that some medications have side-effects.

Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective if medication isn’t working. It involves re-educating the brain and teaching the sufferer to go longer between trips to the toilet. Instead of reacting to the first bladder contraction and rushing to the nearest restroom, the patient has to wait a bit longer. In time, the urge to urinate lessons and the person is able to make fewer bathroom visits.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Women with stress incontinence, i.e. an inability to hold urine when exercising, sneezing, or laughing often find their symptoms improve if they perform pelvic floor exercises. Often, bladder control problems are caused by weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, either because of childbirth or the natural aging process. A new treatment called is proving especially effective in pediatric patients.

If none of these treatments are effective, there are surgical options. Botox injections in the bladder can help to reduce urinary urgency by blocking the receptors between the bladder and brain. It is also possible to insert a surgical sling to support the urethra or bladder so it returns to its normal position.

Are you are suffering from bladder control problems? Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to an experienced NYC urologist today and find the right treatment for you.

Call our offices today at 212-675-3186 to discuss the concern and to learn what solutions may be available to you.