Treatments That Help Youth Incontinence

Youth incontinence, or the inability of children to control their bladder or bowels, can be tough for the child and their family.

Luckily, there are many treatments available, from lifestyle changes to advanced therapies. This article breaks down the most helpful treatments, so parents or caregivers can support children in managing this condition.

Lifestyle Changes and Behavioral Techniques

Often, the first step in treating youth incontinence is simple changes to daily habits. Bladder training programs are popular and effective, and teach children to pee on a schedule, like every 2-3 hours, which helps regulate the bladder.

Another technique is double voiding—peeing twice during one bathroom visit to make sure the bladder is entirely empty. These practices help retrain the bladder and reduce accidents. Children may also be taught pelvic floor exercises using biofeedback therapy, which involves sensors on the skin to measure muscle activity.

The child learns to strengthen and coordinate their pelvic muscles during peeing using visual or sound feedback. Urotherapy, which is timed voiding with proper voiding and bowel habits, resolves incontinence in almost half the cases without any further interventions.

Medications

When behaviour methods alone aren’t enough, medications can help. Anticholinergic drugs like oxybutynin and tolterodine can calm an overactive bladder and increase bladder capacity. These are especially useful for daytime wetting or when a small bladder size is a factor.

Another common one is desmopressin (DDAVP), which reduces urine production at night and is used for bedwetting in children six and over. Remember, medications don’t cure incontinence but help manage symptoms while in use. 

Side effects can occur—dry mouth and flushing with anticholinergics are common—and medication should always be taken under medical supervision.

Advanced Therapies

For children who don’t respond to traditional methods, additional therapies may be recommended. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment that uses a handheld device placed on the lower back to send electrical signals to nerves, interrupting reflexes that impair bladder control.

Some children benefit from clinical trial treatments or counselling, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy. This can help children change behaviours related to bladder control and cope with any social embarrassment caused by incontinence. Surgery is rare but may be needed if an anatomical problem is found.

Success with youth incontinence is all about teamwork between parents, kids, and healthcare providers. Praise your child for their effort in following treatment plans, as it helps build confidence and reduces stress. Consistency with bathroom schedules, medications, and exercises is key.

If your child is wetting during the day and night, start with daytime treatment, usually as kids gain daytime bladder control before nighttime. Always consult with a pediatrician or pediatric urologist for a personalized treatment plan for your child.

Helpful Incontinence Products for Youth

• Select Disposable Absorbent Underwear: These pull-on style disposable underwear offer moderate absorbency and a comfortable fit designed for active youth. They're easy to wear and change, ensuring discreet protection that feels like regular underwear.

• Tranquility Smartcore Brief - High Capacity: Ideal for heavier incontinence, these briefs offer high absorbency and excellent leak protection. Featuring soft materials and secure leg cuffs, they provide overnight dryness and comfort.

• Prevail Air Overnight Briefs: Designed specifically for overnight use, these briefs feature breathable fabric and high absorbency to keep children dry through the night while minimizing skin irritation.

• Prevail Protective Underwear for Men (Heavy): Offering a pull-on style with heavy absorbency, these protective undergarments provide discreet, reliable protection for older youth or teens needing extra support during the day or night.

• Prevail Super Plus Underwear (Moderate): These moderate absorbency pull-ons are comfortable and breathable, making them perfect for daytime wear with less bulk and maximum discretion.

Using these as part of a full treatment plan can help manage daytime and nighttime incontinence and support your child’s confidence and comfort.

Conclusion

Youth incontinence can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, advanced therapies, and supportive products. Treatments like bladder training, biofeedback, oxybutynin, desmopressin, and TENS can work for many affected children. However, note that you should seek a doctor’s opinion to ensure that this suits your child’s needs. 

Add in high-quality underwear designed for youth, and you have physical management and emotional well-being. For best results, always partner with healthcare professionals to tailor treatments and products to your child’s individual needs. 

Parents, caregivers, and children can navigate incontinence together and improve quality of life.