(see also Bedwetting)
Losing control of the urinary sphincter muscles, even for a second, results in an uncontrollable leakage of urine. Stress incontinence when laughing, coughing or sneezing is very common. The momentary leakage typical of stress incontinence can also occur while lifting heavy materials. Urge incontinence occurs when a sudden overwhelming urge causes spontaneous urination. If the bladder is completely full, but cannot be emptied properly, overflow incontinence occurs. The typical symptoms for overflow incontinence are an occasional leakage of urine, combined with an abnormally weak urine stream. In the elderly, bladder incontinence is common, though it is not an inevitable part of old age. Numbness or pain also occurs in serious cases.
Urinary incontinence has a wide variety of causes. Usually, the problem is related to undue pressure on the bladder, a muscle weakness of the urinary sphincter or pelvic floor, or a problem related to the nervous system. Incontinence which develops after childbirth is the result of weakened pelvic muscles. In some cases, the weak muscles have caused a uterine prolapse where the uterus presses on the bladder. Stress incontinence is typically due to weak sphincter muscles in combination with undue pressure on the bladder. Constipation or a lot of excess weight can put extra strain on the bladder. Urge incontinence is often a symptom of a bladder infection or irritable bladder. It can also develop as a result of stress and nervous tension, which cause an easily excitable bladder.
Older people often have urge incontinence because of poor signals from the bladder to the brain, combined with weak bladder control muscles or senile dementia. Medications are sometimes the source of problems. Overflow incontinence is more common in men with prostate problems. If either paralysis or numbness and pain are associated with bladder incontinence, the problem should be attended to immediately, as a spinal injury, slipped disk or stroke is the cause. In these cases, incontinence is often temporary, though it can also be permanent, depending on the severity of the injury and the ability to heal. In young girls, it is not uncommon for some urine to enter the vagina only to leak out at a later time. Keeping the legs wide apart while urinating helps prevent the incontinence.
Incontinence is often due to a magnesium deficiency. Good sources of magnesium are almonds, cashews, figs, whole grains, dark green vegetables and fish. Chives and raspberries are popular remedies to control frequent urination.
Vitamin and mineral supplements help strengthen weak sphincter muscles and support nerve transmissions. Magnesium and vitamin E are particularly useful for building up weak muscles. Both calcium and magnesium are also helpful for maintaining a healthy nervous system. The B vitamins are essential for the nervous system to function properly, and are often in high demand if stress or nervous tension is a problem.
Daily dosages:
Magnesium, 250 mg twice daily
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU daily
Calcium, 1,000 mg daily
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg daily
To heal and relax weakened muscles causing urinary incontinence, take herbal teas, baths and compresses.
Horsetail tea or juice is excellent to strengthen the connective tissues and heal the urinary mucous membranes. Take 3 cups of tea or 1 tbsp. of juice daily.
Cypress oil regulates all types of excess fluid production. It has astringent and relaxing properties. Mix 25 drops with 1 tbsp. of almond oil and massage into the lower abdomen three times daily.
Make a tea of the following combination: 4 parts valerian root, 2 parts lemon balm, 2 parts tormentil, 1 part thyme, 1 part uva ursi leaves. Mix well and pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the mix, steep for ten minutes and drink 2 cups daily, morning and evening.
Hot, moist hayflower compresses on the kidney and bladder region work well to heal weakened muscles.
Regular, hot sitz-baths with horsetail, oat straw and camomile in the evening stimulate the blood circulation of the urinary organs. Use 3–5 qt. of herbal infusion for the sitz-bath. The whole body should be kept warm by covering the tub with large towels or keeping the bathroom hot.
The homeopathic remedies below are most effective for simple incontinence problems. Choose one of the remedies below in the 6c strength, repeating three times daily until relief is noticeable, or for up to ten days if necessary. One dose is 2 tablets under the tongue.
Causticum is often useful for incontinence due to weakened muscle control when coughing, laughing or sneezing are triggers.
Pulsatilla is another choice for stress incontinence, especially when the bladder is irritated or inflamed. Stress incontinence due to a chill from cold, wet feet, for instance, suggests Pulsatilla. Sitting or lying aggravates the urge to urinate.
Nux vomica is useful for bladder irritations or infections associated with troublesome urging and dribbling. This remedy is often helpful during times of stress, hurry and irritability.
Sepia is helpful for women with incontinence who experience a strong sensation of downward pressure, helped by crossing the legs. This remedy is useful for a prolapsed uterus.
Gelsemium should be considered for paralysis of the bladder control muscle when associated with overwhelming fatigue and weakness. The legs actually tremble and the eyelids droop from tiredness.
Take 4 tablets, four times daily under the tongue for three weeks.
Ferr phos is often indicated for incontinence problems associated with a weakness of the bladder control muscle from an irritation or infection, and when there is frequent urging or pain.
Kali phos is useful when nervousness is the cause of leaking urine.
Nat mur should be considered for healing stress incontinence while walking or coughing. Passing urine may be difficult in public toilets when others are present.
Use Calc phos to treat older people who are weak from anemia or poor nutrition.
Nat phos helps alleviate urinary problems in children due to increased acidity, drinking too much liquid before bed, habit or worms.
For cold feet, take alternating hot and cold foot baths, rising-temperature baths and connective tissue and lower abdomen massage. Water therapies should become a regular routine for strengthening the bladder and lower abdomen.
Make sure the feet are always warm.
Exercise the sphincter muscle of the bladder by contracting it and holding it for five to ten seconds, then release and repeat various times during the day. Practise this technique by starting and stopping urination.
Pelvic muscle-strengthening exercises are often effective for incontinence. The pelvic muscles lie between the legs and around the anus and vagina, holding the uterus and other organs firmly in place. During pregnancy, these muscles can become weak from the additional pressure of the child. The pelvic muscles can be strengthened simply by contracting and releasing them several times each day. Used preventively during pregnancy, these contractions should be carried out before and after childbirth.
Herbal Remedies
Prostasan (Bioforce)
Horsetail Leaves (Flora)
Medicinal Tea: Uratonic (Flora)
Prost Cleanse (Natural Factors)
Silica Extract (Natural Factors)
Silica-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Homeopathy
Nux Vomica (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Pulsatilla (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Silicea (Nelsons Homeopathy)