Incontinence: 12 Natural Remedies

Few people want to talk about incontinence, but according to the National Association for Continence, nearly 25 million Americans struggle with bladder control. Of those, 75 to 80 percent are women.

There are drugs and surgeries that may help incontinence, depending on the cause of the problem, but there are other options. Exercises, lifestyle changes, and possibly even some supplements may help.

Here are 12 to consider.

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Kegel Exercises

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Kegel exercises -- which involve flexing the same muscles you use to stop the urinary flow -- are top on the list of remedies. "Kegels are very useful for early stages of incontinence, and after a surgical repair to maintain pelvic floor tone over time," says Philippe Zimmern, M.D., a professor of urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. A physical therapist can tell you how to do them and how often; You may see an improvement after six to 12 weeks of continued practice. And you'll have to keep doing the exercises to maintain the benefit, Dr. Zimmern points out. More From Health.com: 10 Things That Can Make Incontinence Worse 13 Causes of Incontinence Therapy May Ease Bladder Problems After Prostate Surgery

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Kegel exercises -- which involve flexing the same muscles you use to stop the urinary flow -- are top on the list of remedies.

"Kegels are very useful for early stages of incontinence, and after a surgical repair to maintain pelvic floor tone over time," says Philippe Zimmern, M.D., a professor of urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

A physical therapist can tell you how to do them and how often; You may see an improvement after six to 12 weeks of continued practice. And you'll have to keep doing the exercises to maintain the benefit, Dr. Zimmern points out.

More From Health.com:
10 Things That Can Make Incontinence Worse
13 Causes of Incontinence
Therapy May Ease Bladder Problems After Prostate Surgery

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Comments

[Kristen Lawrence]

03:56 PM on 02/15/2011

More information on incontinence, symptoms, therapies and treatments can be found at http://www.nafc.org. The National Association for Continence is the world’s largest and most prolific consumer advocacy organization dedicated to public education and awareness about bladder and bowel control problems, voiding dysfunction including retention, nocturia and bedwetting, and pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse.
Check out our blog! http://nafcpowderroomtalk.blogspot.com/

[FTracy3]

04:45 PM on 02/01/2011

So exactly what are the incontinent supposed to do with that banana?

[Prateek Panchal]

11:57 PM on 01/30/2011

I think consuming more water and vitamin D is very vital and also performing basic physical training everyday is very important as well.

We need to be patience as weight loss for a fatty person is not a overnight job.

Thanks for sharing.

http://www.eyehealthguide.net/cataract-surgery-recovery.html

[rjaxone]

11:51 PM on 01/30/2011

It's still not too late. Just make a New Years' resolution. I vow I will not urinate in 2011...

[crom14]

07:30 PM on 01/30/2011

Exercise does not help after having large babies!

[babybelle]

12:14 PM on 01/30/2011

I don't know if pumpkin would help humans, but it is supposed to help female dogs that have been spayed.

[shuffleoff]

03:00 PM on 01/30/2011

Agree babybelle...unless you are allergic, pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are very healthy for humans.

[Chaucea]

11:51 AM on 01/31/2011

Better Bladder for Women by Enzymatic Therapy is very effective (its made from pumpkin seed extract).