Urinary Incontinence
Hello, this is Dr. Ellen. In this month’s ‘Real Common Sense’ newsletter, I want to write about urinary incontinence. I have seen many patients over the years with this problem, though it was usually not their primary reason for seeing me. Typically, the results of previous treatments had been less than satisfactory, and they assumed there was nothing further that could be done to help. However, using the Ellen Cutler Method (ECM), I was more often than not able to determine previously unseen underlying factors perpetuating their problems, and then help them back toward health and wellness.
By the way, if you haven’t had a chance to see my previous newsletters, you can find them on my website, www.drellencutler.com under ‘Media’.
What are the types and causes of Urinary Incontinence?
There are several types of urinary incontinence.(1,2) In women, the types I have most oftenencountered are stress and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks out at times when the bladder is ‘squeezed’ by increasing pressure within the abdomen, such as when coughing, sneezing, or lifting a heavy weight. It can also occur when pregnant or obese, from damage during childbirth or surgery, or because of neurological conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord.
Urge incontinence occurs when urine leaks as you feel a sudden, intense urge to urinate and are unable to delay that before getting to the toilet. Urinary urgency can be triggered by a sudden change of position, the sound of running water, or during sex. Urge incontinence is often one of the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome, when the bladder muscle is more active than usual. This is usually accompanied by frequent urination, both day and night. This can result from drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, not drinking enough fluids, constipation, urinary tract infections, neurological conditions, or certain medications.
Mixed incontinence is when there are symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence. There may be leaking of urine with coughing or sneezing as well as experiencing very intense urges to pass urine. I have certainly seen this in many of my patients during my years in practice.
Overflow incontinence is caused by chronic urinary retention when the bladder cannot completely empty with urination, causing the bladder to enlarge. This is often the result of a blockage or obstruction affecting the bladder, caused by such problems as bladder stones and constipation. In men, this is most commonly seen because of enlargement of the prostate.
Overflow incontinence may also arise when the bladder wall muscles do not fully contract, which can result from damage to your nerves as a result of surgery as well as from certain medications.
To be complete, there is one other type of urinary incontinence that I want to note. This type of urinary incontinence is continuous and is sometimes referred to as total incontinence. This is usually caused by a structural defect (sometimes from birth) or neurological injury that is best addressed by consultation with an appropriate medical specialist.
Interventions for Urinary Incontinence
There are a number of treatments that can be helpful for those with urinary incontinence.(2,3,4) Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic muscles supporting the bladder, which can help hold urine and avoid leaks. Bladder training can help control strong urges in order to have longer periods of time before needing to urinate. Methods include distracting the mind from the feeling of urgency, relaxation techniques, focusing on stillness, and tightening the pelvic floor muscles. Timed voiding involves scheduling time to urinate. For example, you can plan to urinate every hour and slowly extend the time between toilet breaks as feasible. Lifestyle changes can also help, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake. Certain medications may also be useful, such as anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin), but may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, especially in those over age 65. Vaginal estrogen creams may also be helpful for some women. Of note, surgical interventions are usually withheld unless and until all other methods have failed.
A number of complementary/alternative approaches may also help useful with urinary incontinence. Potentially helpful mind/body approaches include guided imagery, biofeedback, and acupuncture.(5) The results of one study suggested that pumpkin seed oil extract has the potential for helping overactive bladder, including urgency incontinence.(6) Several homeopathic preparations have also been reportedly helpful – Natrum muriaticum, Apis, and Causticum for stress incontinence; and Sepia, Nux vomica, and Kreosotum (Beechwood) for urge incontinence.(7,8)
Ellen Cutler Method (ECM)
As indicated earlier, I have used ECM energetic testing and desensitization to help those with urinary incontinence achieve lasting improvements. ECM allows me to identify for each individual any problematic sensitivities/resistances that may be associated with their incontinence, and to then energetically clear the reactivities found. Some of the most frequently found reactivities in those suffering with urinary incontinence have been to emotional issues, a history of bladder trauma, energetic sensitivities to pathogens (either previously treated or undetected), and food sensitivities.
ECM energetic testing also allows me to determine the best lifestyle recommendations for each person, including dietary patterns, as well as for their optimal supplementation. Over my years of clinical work, some of the most frequently recommended supplements have been a full-spectrum digestive enzyme blend (e.g., Digest Supreme from Dr. Ellen’s Way) just before each meal, PhysioProtease and Kidney/Bladder from ProEnzol, and D-mannose. For men, Prostate by ProEnzol is often indicated as well.
Through my years of clinical experience, I have found the ECM protocols to be the most effective way of achieving maximal improvements in a person’s health and wellness. This definitely includes helping those suffering with urinary incontinence.
Please be well, be healthy, and remember…
“FACT: Women are up to five times more likely than men to have urinary incontinence problems, primarily due to trauma the body experiences during pregnancy and childbirth.”
― Cary McNeal
Dr. Ellen
References:
- “Symptoms – Urinary incontinence” at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms/ and “Causes – Urinary incontinence” at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/causes/
- “Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults” at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/urinary-incontinence-older-adults
- “Non-surgical treatment – Urinary incontinence” at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/treatment/
- “Natural Remedies for Incontinence” at https://myconfidentlife.com/blog/natural-remedies-for-incontinence
- “Alternative Treatments for an Overactive Bladder” at https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder-alternative-treatments
- “Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder” at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032845/
- “Bladder problems” at https://homeopathy-uk.org/conditions-directory/bladder-problems/
- “Homeopathic Medicines for Involuntary Urination” at https://homeopathic.com/homeopathic-medicines-for-involuntary-urination/
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease.