Which of the following is a non-pharmacologic measure for urinary incontinence?

Which of the following is a non-pharmacologic measure for urinary incontinence?

• A. Pelvic floor exercises
• B. Diuretic use
• C. Anticholinergic medications
• D. Surgery

Answer: (A)

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, improving continence by increasing urethral closure during activities that raise abdominal pressure. This makes them a non-drug approach that can reduce leakage, especially in stress incontinence and sometimes in mixed incontinence. They’re typically taught to contract the pelvic floor correctly (often called Kegels) and practiced regularly—e.g., several sets of 10–15 contractions daily, with proper technique and gradual progression. In contrast, diuretics would increase urine production and worsen incontinence; anticholinergic medications and other drugs alter bladder storage or detrusor activity and are pharmacologic treatments; surgery is an invasive intervention, not a non-pharmacologic measure.

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, improving continence by increasing urethral closure during activities that raise abdominal pressure. This makes them a non-drug approach that can reduce leakage, especially in stress incontinence and sometimes in mixed incontinence. They’re typically taught to contract the pelvic floor correctly (often called Kegels) and practiced regularly—e.g., several sets of 10–15 contractions daily, with proper technique and gradual progression.

In contrast, diuretics would increase urine production and worsen incontinence; anticholinergic medications and other drugs alter bladder storage or detrusor activity and are pharmacologic treatments; surgery is an invasive intervention, not a non-pharmacologic measure.