Wie kann man Inkontinenz behandeln?

How can incontinence be treated?

In the last blog post, you learned about the different types of incontinence. Here, we would like to present the treatment options. Because: Incontinence is not a fate you have to accept! In most cases, incontinence is treatable. There are numerous options tailored to the specific cause and individual situation.

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1. Stress Incontinence


Do you remember? Stress incontinence occurs with physical exertion such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. This is often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or natural aging processes.


Treatment options:

  • Pelvic floor training: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is the main therapy for stress incontinence. Targeted exercises can help reduce urine leakage and improve bladder control.
  • Medication: In some cases, medications that support the bladder muscles can help.
  • Surgical procedures: For severe stress incontinence, surgery may be necessary. A common procedure is the placement of a sling system (TVT – Tension-free Vaginal Tape), which helps support the bladder and prevent urine leakage.
  • Pessaries: A pessary is a small, flexible device inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and reduce pressure on the urinary tract. They often help avoid operations.
  • Lifestyle changes: For overweight individuals, weight reduction can help. A healthy diet and avoiding bladder irritants also contribute to bladder stabilization.

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2. Urge Incontinence


With urge incontinence, sufferers experience a strong, sudden urge to urinate, which often leads to uncontrolled urine leakage. The cause is often an overactive bladder, stimulated by inflammation or neurological diseases.

Treatment options:

  • Medication: Anticholinergics such as oxybutynin or tolterodine can calm an overactive bladder and control the urge to urinate. These medications prevent the bladder from contracting too early.
  • Bladder training: Through bladder training, patients can learn to delay the urge to urinate and better control the bladder. This involves setting specific times for urination.
  • Botox-injections: In particularly stubborn cases, Botox injections into the bladder wall can help relax muscle activity and reduce the urge to urinate.
  • Electrostimulation: Therapy with electrical impulses can help calm an overactive bladder and reduce the urge to urinate.

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3. Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence combines both stress and urge incontinence.


Treatment options:


Combination of pelvic floor training, lifestyle changes (no smoking, healthy diet, sufficient exercise), aids, and, if necessary, operations.

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4. Overflow Incontinence


With overflow incontinence, the bladder cannot be completely emptied. This causes the bladder to overflow, leading to uncontrolled urine leakage.


Treatment options:

  • Medication: For urinary tract blockages, medications such as α-blockers can help improve urine flow, especially in men with an enlarged prostate.
  • Catheterization: If the bladder is no longer able to empty completely, regular catheterization may become necessary. This involves manually removing urine from the bladder.
  • Surgical procedures: For severe blockages or narrowing of the urethra, surgery may be required to reopen the urinary tract.

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4. Treatment of Unconscious Incontinence


Unconscious incontinence, also known as reflex incontinence, occurs due to a neurological disorder where the bladder reflex is disturbed. This type of incontinence is common in strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological conditions.


Treatment options:

  • Electrostimulation: Treatment with electrical impulses to the nerves that control the bladder can help improve bladder function and prevent involuntary emptying.
  • Intermittent catheterization: In many cases, affected individuals must regularly use catheters to empty their bladder, as they have no control over urine flow.
  • Medication: Medications can be used to regulate bladder muscles and enable better control.

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    Conclusion: There is Hope!


    There is a remedy for incontinence! Whether through targeted exercises, medication, aids such as pessaries, or surgical procedures – the right treatment for incontinence can bring about a significant improvement. Are you or someone you know affected by incontinence? Then don't hesitate to seek dialogue with a doctor or specialist. There is a way for you to lead an active and self-determined life too!

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    © Photo: Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe Stoc

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