Health Tip: Controlling Urinary Incontinence

(HealthDay News) -- Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the urge to urinate. It tends to become more of a problem as people age.

The womenshealth.gov Web site suggests these potential methods for controlling urinary incontinence:

• Performing exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
• Going to the bathroom habitually at certain times, which can help "retrain" the bladder.
• Losing weight and quitting smoking.
• Avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Taking a medication designed to prevent urinary incontinence.
• Applying electrical stimulation on nerves affecting bladder control.
• Practicing biofeedback techniques.
• Having surgery, if other methods aren't successful.