Other Treatments
Botox
Botox (Botulinum A-toxin) is now being used in some hospitals as a treatment for OAB. Botox,
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor can sometimes help. It is best to be supervised by a health professional on this treatment.
Biofeedback
This system uses measuring devices to help you become more aware of the body’s functioning. A variety of instruments are used to record small electrical signals which are given off when specific muscles are squeezed.
Intravesical Injections
These may sometimes be useful in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency.
Pessaries
These are devices may be used on a temporary basis to provide support for pelvic organs.
Catheters : It may sometimes be necessary for catheters to be used in individuals experiencing continence problems. The reasons for this may be:
· To relieve retention of urine.
· To empty the bladder completely when this has not happened naturally.
· To bypass an obstruction which is stopping the normal flow of urine.
· When incontinence cannot be managed in any other way.
Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterisation
This is a technique used by an individual to empty his or her own bladder. It is important that the bladder is emptied as urine left behind can become concentrated and stale.
Surgery
On occasion, surgery may be undertaken if the incontinence is due to aprolapse of the bladder or is being caused by an obstruction.
Surgery for a Prolapse of the Bladder (Cystocele)
In order to repair a cystocele, the surgeon makes an incision in the wall of the vagina and repairs the area to tighten the layers of tissue that separate the organs, creating more support for the bladder. Generally, the patient remains in hospital for several days and full recovery will take between 4 – 6 weeks.
Surgery for an Enlarged Prostate
A procedure known as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is often undertaken to reduce an enlarged prostate