Urinary incontinence—the involuntary leakage of urine—is a common but often frustrating condition that affects both men and women. Depending on the type, it may cause sudden urges, leakage with movement, or difficulty emptying the bladder completely.For many, incontinence medications can help manage symptoms and improve bladder control. The right medication depends on the type of incontinence and underlying causes. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about treatment.
Types of Incontinence
Urge Incontinence
A common name for this condition is overactive bladder (OAB). It’s characterized by a sudden, strong urge that is difficult to control. People with urge incontinence may need to urinate frequently. They often experience leakage and nighttime urinary frequency, called nocturia.
Involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles cause OAB and may be associated with:
- Neurological conditions
- Infections
- Age-related changes
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence occurs with physical movements or exertion. Coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting a heavy object puts pressure on the bladder, causing leakage.
Pelvic floor muscle or urinary sphincter weakness is usually responsible. For this reason, it is more common in women, especially after childbirth or menopause, and in men who have undergone prostate surgery.
Mixed Incontinence
This blended condition is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Mixed incontinence can cause leakage during physical activities or when you have sudden urges. Older adults and postmenopausal women are typically affected.
Overflow Incontinence
When the bladder does not empty completely, a constant dribbling of urine can occur. Difficulty with fully emptying the bladder is caused by:
- Bladder outlet blockage
- Weakened bladder muscles
- Nerve damage
Overflow incontinence is more common in men, particularly those with an enlarged prostate. Overflow can also occur in people with diabetes or neurological disorders.
Incontinence Medications For Women
Incontinence medications help manage symptoms. They are chosen based on the type of incontinence being treated. For women, the most common medicines used often target urge incontinence or OAB, including:
Anticholinergics
Drugs such as oxybutynin and solifenacin work by blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates bladder muscle contractions. Reducing these contractions helps decrease urgency and frequency. They may, however, cause side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision, which lead to some women discontinuing the drug.
Beta-3 adrenergic agonists
Medications like mirabegron and vibegron help relax the bladder muscle. This increases the bladder’s capacity and reduces sudden urges. These drugs are sometimes preferred over anticholinergics because they tend to have fewer side effects. However, high blood pressure and headaches are possible.
Incontinence Medications For Men
Urinary incontinence in men is frequently linked to prostate conditions like BPH. This can lead to overflow incontinence due to incomplete bladder emptying. Incontinence medications for men address both prostate-related incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms.
Alpha-blockers
Medications such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin work by relaxing the bladder neck and prostate muscles, making it easier for urine to flow. These drugs are beneficial for men with BPH-related overflow incontinence. Possible side effects include dizziness, low blood pressure, and fatigue.
5-Alpha reductase inhibitors
Drugs such as finasteride and dutasteride gradually shrink the prostate. Over time, this relieves urinary retention and improves bladder emptying. They do, however, take several months to show full effects. They may also cause sexual side effects such as reduced libido and erectile dysfunction.
Anticholinergics
Similar to their use in women, these medications help control OAB symptoms in men. However, in men with prostate-related bladder obstruction, anticholinergics may worsen urine retention.
Beta-3 adrenergic agonists
Drugs like mirabegron and vibegron are also used in men with overactive bladder. These medications relax the bladder muscle. They help reduce urinary urgency and frequency with fewer side effects than anticholinergics.
Choosing the Right Incontinence Medications
The best medication depends on the underlying cause of your incontinence and how well you tolerate the treatment. You may benefit from one drug or from combination therapy. For example, a beta-3 adrenergic agonist can be used alongside an anticholinergic agonist.
Since urinary incontinence can have multiple contributing factors, seeing a urologist is important. They will provide you with a thorough evaluation, recommend treatment, and adjust dosages as needed.
Learn more about the best incontinence medications for you – call 843.347.2450 today to schedule an appointment.