There are many methods for dealing with urinary incontinence in a non-surgical manner, but some are just more effective than others are. Since the 1940s, many people have turned to Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic muscles in order to increase the ability to hold urine safely in the bladder for longer and longer periods of time. These exercises have been used by those not only suffering from overactive bladder syndrome but also by those who suffer from urge incontinence.
The effectiveness varies widely, but through the decades many studies have been conducted that show a success rate of up to 80%. Why does it not work for everyone? The answer is that most people simply do not give the exercises enough time to take effect. Many people that practice Kegel exercises must waist anywhere from one to three months to see some results. Unfortunately, in today’s instant gratification society, this is too long and many people abandon the exercises after a week or two. For those that stick with the regimen, Kegels have been shown to increase the time between voiding the bladder from around every two hours to almost four hours. This is quite and improvement and can make life much simpler for incontinence sufferers.
The pelvic muscles will stay strong over time, but until they are properly strengthened most men will rely on an incontinence clamp or a condom catheter to stop leaks. Women usually use an adult brief or panty liner to help stop the occasional leak. Kegel exercises do work, but they must be done regularly and for several weeks before results will be seen. Most reasonably fit people can do them and there is no cost involved and with no bad side effects they are a popular alternative to surgical treatments like bladder augmentations or bladder medications.