What treatment method is suggested for patients with stress incontinence?

Pelvic floor muscle training is a widely recommended treatment method for patients experiencing stress incontinence. This approach focuses on strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor, which support the bladder and help to control urination. By engaging in exercises such as Kegel exercises, patients can enhance their muscle tone and improve their ability to hold urine, ultimately reducing episodes of incontinence.

Stress incontinence occurs when physical activity or exertion, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise, puts pressure on the bladder. Strengthening the pelvic floor can help alleviate these symptoms by providing better support and coordination of the bladder and urethra during these activities. This non-invasive strategy is often first-line therapy due to its safety and effectiveness.

In contrast, other choices like antibiotic therapy would be inappropriate unless there is a concurrent urinary tract infection, as it does not address the underlying issue of muscle control. Increased fluid intake may worsen the frequency of urination in someone with stress incontinence rather than improving it. Weight loss programs can be beneficial for some patients, especially if obesity is contributing to the incontinence, but they do not directly empower the pelvic muscles needed for control. Therefore, pelvic floor muscle training is a targeted and effective treatment choice for this condition.