Managing Loss of Bladder Control without Side Effects
Side Effects Are The Main Reason People Discontinue Their Bladder Meds
Side effects are a major factor for consumers to discontinue the usage of the bladder medications – more than 50% of the consumers discontinued the usage within six months, and only 10-20% were still taking the medications after 6-12 months, according to a Consumer Report study.
The most common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, upset stomach and dry eyes.
Since the effectiveness and the degree of the side effects of each drug will vary significantly with each individual, if you do decide to try a drug, experts all agree that it’s important to have a conversation with your physician about the potential side effects so that you know what to expect.
Alternatives To Prescription Bladder Medications
Loss of bladder control or occasional incontinence is a very uncomfortable problem.
Dr. Patricia Goode, MD, a professor at the Center for Aging at the University of Alabama feels that for most women, however, Kegel exercises and lifestyle changes will likely have an even bigger impact than any medication can. “They have virtually no side effects and can be very effective,” she says.
“Even a very small improvement can improve the quality of life”, says Dr. Goode, “For example, going from diapers to pads, or no longer having accidents that overflow pads and cause embarrassment. Both frequency and volume decreases are important.
If you have mild loss of bladder control issues, first try lifestyle changes, for example, cutting back on caffeinated beverages and other non-drug steps, such as Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles that help control urination, to see if those provide enough relief.
People with more severe symptoms can also benefit from those steps, but might experience added relief from also taking medication.”
Nutritional Supplements Are Also An Option
Something else to consider is nutritional supplements that support the general health of your bladder. For example, vitamin D, or an herbal supplement like clinically tested BetterWOMAN and BetterMAN that work by naturally strengthening the bladder muscles which in turn reduce frequent urination, urgency and leakage and have no known side effects.
Read Related Articles: Bladder Control Problems, Blog, Overactive Bladder (OAB), Bladder Leakage, Bladder Urgency, Incontinence
