Axonics Therapy stands out as an advanced treatment option amidst the many choices available for addressing incontinence. While it may not be ideal for everyone, it presents distinct advantages, such as effective and long-lasting relief, which distinguish it from other options. In certain instances, Axonics Therapy may even stand as the sole treatment that can provide you effective results.

Many people experience a range of symptoms and conditions related to bowel and bladder dysfunction, each varying in levels and intensity. Initial treatments for incontinence typically involve lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, and medication as first and second-line options. However, if these conservative measures fail to provide relief, advanced options are explored.

These advanced treatments may involve surgical and minimally invasive procedures, but they provide significant relief and enhance the overall quality of your life.

Your lifestyle, including your diet and physical movements, plays a crucial role in managing both bowel and urinary incontinence. Many treatment approaches are centered around these lifestyle factors and can yield significant results in certain cases. 

Depending on the severity of your condition, a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication may help alleviate symptoms.

Medication plays a crucial role in the management of various conditions, including incontinence. Depending on the type of incontinence, medications may be prescribed to target specific underlying factors and ease symptoms.

For incontinence, several types of drugs can assist in relaxing your bladder muscle. These medications typically work to: 

• Prevent the bladder from contracting when it’s not full and increase its capacity for holding and emptying urine effectively.
• Manage constipation by facilitating bowel movements.
  
• Slow down the movement of stools through your digestive system to address issues such as soft or loose stools.

Monitoring your response to medication is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. However, it's important to be aware that certain medications may also lead to potential side effects. Common side effects can include dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, or blurred vision.

Adjustments to your diet can also help manage incontinence issues. It's important to steer clear of foods and beverages that could worsen your symptoms and irritate your bladder or bowel. Some beverages, such as those containing caffeine and alcohol, can encourage your body to produce more urine.

Certain foods have been known to exacerbate incontinence, including:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Dairy products, especially if you have difficulty digesting lactose
• Fatty, fried, or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Cured or smoked meats
• Tomato-based foods
• Chocolate (excluding white chocolate)
• Sweeteners such as fructose, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol

Increasing your fiber intake can also help with digestion. Incorporating oatmeal, whole grains, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, and beans into your diet can help improve your overall health and symptoms.

Pelvic floor therapy helps you by providing the skills and strength you need to reclaim control over your bowel and bladder functions. It works by enhancing the strength and functionality of the muscles supporting your bladder, bowel, and other pelvic organs. 

Pelvic floor therapy includes incorporating Kegel exercises and other targeted exercises in your daily exercise regime. 

Your healthcare provider or a physical therapist guides you through these exercises. They may also guide you on behavioral strategies to manage sudden, frequent, or uncontrollable urges to urinate or defecate.

Behavioral strategies, such as bladder training, help you establish a routine for voiding to gradually extend the time between your bathroom visits.

Injections of Botulinum Toxin, commonly known as Botox^Ⓡ, into the bladder muscle, can offer relief from an overactive bladder problem. Botox^Ⓡ blocks the actions of acetylcholine and temporarily paralyzes the bladder muscle to alleviate urinary incontinence symptoms.

Botox^Ⓡ shots may be recommended when other medications fail to provide sufficient relief. A trained urologist can help administer these injections.

The effects of Botox^Ⓡ are not permanent and gradually diminish over time. Regular injections may be necessary to maintain symptom relief over the long term.

For some people, the underlying cause of incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms may be the faulty communication between your bowel/bladder muscles and the brain. 

In such cases, nerve stimulation treatment can help improve bladder or bowel muscle function by enhancing the communication of the brain and nerves. This type of treatment involves sending electrical pulses to stimulate nerves associated with bowel and bladder functions.

Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) is a treatment method that involves the electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves in your lower back region to manage symptoms of incontinence. Axonics Therapy represents an advanced approach to sacral neuromodulation that offers long-lasting relief from these symptoms.

Axonics Therapy represents an advanced form of sacral neuromodulation. It involves a more efficient, durable, and simplified approach to sacral neuromodulation than the conventional methods.

Traditional sacral neuromodulation devices require an external controller and have a battery lifespan of approximately five years. Axonics Therapy, on the other hand, features a rechargeable neurostimulator designed to function for at least 15 years. 

With its compact and user-friendly implant, the Axonics System significantly reduces the need for repeat surgeries. It enables more convenience and satisfaction for patients. 

Axonics Therapy offers a range of benefits that set it apart as a superior treatment option compared to other treatment options for incontinence. These include:  

• Effective relief from symptoms associated with overactive bladder (OAB), urinary incontinence, and bowel incontinence. 
• Improved quality of life as you may experience fewer disruptions in your daily activities, improved sleep patterns, and increased confidence and comfort in social settings.
• Minimally invasive procedure for implanting the Axonics System. This means less discomfort and minimal recovery times compared to traditional surgical interventions.
• Long-lasting symptom relief of up to 15 years.
• Personalized treatment options because Axonics Therapy allows providers to adjust the stimulation settings to meet your needs.

At the Northwest Continence Center, our expert team offers personalized Axonics Therapy designed to address your unique needs and conditions comprehensively. Our goal is to empower you to live a worry-free life by assisting you in regaining control over your urinary and bowel functions.

To arrange a consultation with our team, please call us at 503-885-1515 or request an appointment online. We look forward to assisting you on your journey to improved well-being.