Hello Anji Thank you for sharing your concern. At your age, a new episode of urinary incontinence should always be carefully evaluated, because sometimes it may be linked with underlying causes like bladder infection, prostate (in men), pelvic floor weakness, neurological issues, or side effects of medicines (for BP, cholesterol). But dont worry we are here to help you out😊
✅ Why Incontinence Can Happen in Seniors
Weak bladder muscles / pelvic floor due to ageing Prostate enlargement (men) or pelvic muscle laxity (women) Urinary tract infection (UTI) - sudden urgency & leakage Side effects of medicines (diuretics, BP medicines, etc.) Neurological issues (stroke, nerve weakness, spinal issues)
✅ Recommended Tests Before Treatment
Since this is the first time it has happened, please get the following checked to rule out serious causes:
1. Urine routine & culture – to rule out infection.
2. Ultrasound KUB (Kidney–Ureter–Bladder) with post-void residual urine – checks if bladder is emptying fully.
3. Blood sugar test (FBS, HbA1c) – as uncontrolled diabetes may cause frequent urination.
4. PSA test – to rule out prostate enlargement.
✅AYURVEDIC PLAN OF TREATMENT
✅INTERNAL MEDICATION
1 Chandraprabha Vati 1-0-1 after food supports bladder function.
2 Balaristham 30ml-0-30ml after food – strengthens pelvic & bladder muscles.
3 Gokshuradi Guggulu 1-0-1 after food – useful if associated with urinary weakness or swelling.
✅ DIET AND LIFESTYLE
Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and excessive water at night. Take warm, light, easily digestible food. Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and buttermilk are beneficial.
✅ Pelvic Floor Strengthening (Kegel Exercises)
Contract the muscles you use to stop urination. Hold for 5 seconds, then release. Do 10 reps, 3–4 times daily. This improves bladder control.
✅Night Routine
Empty bladder before bedtime. Keep a fixed sleep schedule. Avoid drinking excess fluids 2 hours before sleep.
Your incontinence may be due to age-related muscle weakness, prostate/bladder changes, or infection.
Please get urine test + ultrasound + sugar levels and PSA . Once the cause is clear, Ayurveda can help with herbal support, bladder-strengthening practices, diet, and pelvic exercises.
Wishing you a good health😊
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
In old age common problem take tab chandra Prabha vati 1tab bd, goksuradi Guggulu 1tab bd, chandasava 20ml bd enough
At your age , episode of incontinance may be due to several reasons need to find out the exact cause , so once check us whole abdomen urine routine RFT are you currently on any medication?? Empty your bladder before going to bed
Some little changes in your food habits paired with simple yoga and medication will help you get rid of the condition.
✔️Eat healthy home cooked food ✔️Have light dinner
🧘♀️Yogasan and Pranayam🧘♀️ Mul Bandh Setu Bandhasan Supta Badhakonasan Vajrasan Bhramari Shavasan Meditation
❌Fruit juices and excessive sugary food ❌Drinking too much water after 7 pm ❌Stress ❌Late night staying awake
💊Medication💊
Tab. Neo 1 tab twice a day before food Tab. Khadiradi Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food
Get a USG done to rule out BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia)
Adv. USG whole abdomen PSA Uroflowmetry
HELLO ANJI,
Urinary incontinence means loss of bladder control- urine leaks when you dont want it to. In seniors, it can happen due to -weak bladder msucles- age related or after chronic illness -overactive bladder- bladder controls suddenly -prostate issues= in men, enlarged prostate -nerve issues - due to aging, diabetes, stroke, blocked arteries affecting nerve supply -Urinary infection (first episode could be UTI) -Medication side effects (Bp and heart medicines sometimes increase urination)
In Ayurveda, this is linked to Apana vata imbalance (the vata that controls urination and elimination). When Apana vata gets weak or disturbed, the bladder cannot hold urine properly. Sometimes Kapha involvement (like obstruction from prostate or mucus worsens the issue
TREATMENT GOALS -Identify and treat underlying cause (infection, prostate, medicines, neurological issue) -Strengthen bladder muscles and nerves (Vata balancing, rejuvination) -Improve urinary control (by toning pelvic muscles, reducing urgency) -Prevent recurrence with diet, yoga, and lifestyle regulation -Promote dignity and confidence (reduce embarrassment , restore quality of life)
INTERNAL MEDICINES
1) CHANDRAPRABHA VATI= 1 tab twice daily with warm water after meals =classic urinary formulation, balances vata-kapha, relieves frequency / urgency
2) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at bedtime =nervine tonic, strengthens pelvic floor and bladder control, reduces stress
3) PUNARNAVA MANDUR= 1 tab twice daily after meals =mild diuretic, supports urinary function, reduces swelling, balances fluid
4) GOKSHURA CAPSULE= 500mg cap twice daily after meals =strengtens urinary tract, tones bladder muscles, balances apana vata
5) SHILAJIT CAPSULE= 250mg once daily in morning =rejuvinator, supports nervous and urinary systems
EXTERNAL THERAPY
OIL MASSAGE= Warm Bala ashwagandha taila over body, especially lower abdomen and back =pacifies vata, strengthens nerves and muscles
KEGEL EXERCISE (moola bandha)= contract and relax pelvic muscles several times daily
YOGA ASANAS -Vajrasana -setu bandhasana -malasana -bhujangasana
PRANAYAM -Anulom vilom= balances vata -bhramari= calms nervous system -Avoid excessive kapalbhati
DIET -warm, freshly cooked meals -whole grains : rice, barley, wheat -Fruits= pomegrante, banana, apple -Vegetables= bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin -Dairy= warm milk with nutmeg (helps calm bladder) -Ghee in small amounts- nourishes tissue
AVOID -excess tea, coffee, alcohol - irritates bladder -Spicy, sour , deep fried foods- aggravates vata and pitta -cold drinks and excess raw salads at night
LIFESTYLE -regular sleep pattern -avoid excessive strain, heavy lifting -do not suppress natural urges -maintain healthy weight-extra belly fat presses bladder -empty bladder before bedtime, avoid heavy fluid intake at night
HOME REMEDIES -Nutmeg powder= 1/4 tsp with warm milk at bedtime= reduces bedwetting and urgency -Barley water= drink during day, strengthens bladder -Banana with ghee= once daily, supports apana vata -Soaked raisins in morning= nourishes tissues, mild laxatives (prevent constipation)
Since this is first-time, sudden incontinence, important to rule out -urine routine and culture to check infection -Ultrasound KUB + prostate (if male)-> bladder, kidney, prostate health -Blood sugar and HbA1c -Renal function tests-> kidney function -Neurological exam if weakness, numbness, or sudden onset
-Your condition is not uncommon in seniors, and often treatable -Ayurveda sees this as vata imbalance affecting bladder control; management focuses on strengthening Apana vata, rejuvenating nerves, and supporting bladder muscles -A combined approach works best- medical check up to rule out infection or prostate issues+ayurvedic diet, herbs, yoga and therapies for long term balance -with proper care, incontinence can improve significantly and you can prevent recurrence
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
I understand this is a very concerning and embarrassing situation, and I want to assure you that urinary incontinence is a common issue, especially as we age, and there are many things that can be done to manage and often improve it.
Step 1: See Your Doctor (Most Important)
Your doctor will be able to perform an examination, potentially run tests (like a urine test for infection or a blood test), and review your current medications.
Possible medical causes your doctor may consider for new-onset incontinence include:
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a very common, temporary cause that can be easily treated.
Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH): This is common in older men and can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to overflow or urge incontinence.
Side effects of medications: Some medications for blood pressure (diuretics or “water pills”) or other conditions can increase urine production or affect bladder function. Your doctor can review your current prescriptions.
Other underlying conditions: Issues like uncontrolled diabetes, constipation, or neurological changes (like after a minor stroke) can contribute.
Step 2: Immediate Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes
Regardless of the underlying cause, these simple changes can often help right away:
Fluid Intake
Limit fluids 2-4 hours before bedtime. Drink plenty during the day, but taper off in the evening.This is the most effective change to prevent bedwetting (nocturia)
.Reduce or eliminate caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) and alcohol.Both are diuretics (increase urine production) and bladder irritants.
Bladder Training
Establish a fixed, timed voiding schedule during the day and evening (e.g., go every 2 hours), rather than waiting for the urge. Go to the toilet right before bed.
Helps retrain your bladder to hold urine longer and reduces urgency.
Pelvic Floor Strength
Practice
Kegel exercises. Tighten the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine or prevent passing gas. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then relax for 5-10 seconds. Do 10-15 repetitions, 3 times a day.Strengthens the muscles that support the bladder and help keep the urethra closed.
Bowel Health
Prevent constipation by eating high-fiber foods and drinking enough water during the day.A full or compacted rectum can press on the bladder and increase incontinence.
Medication Timing Ask your doctor if any diuretic medications you take can be moved to the mid-afternoon (at least 6 hours before bedtime).Allows the medication to work during the day and reduces nighttime urine volume
.Sleeping Environment
Keep a clear, well-lit path to the bathroom at night to reduce the risk of falling and help you get there faster.Safety and functional assistance for nighttime urges
Start with Chandraprabha vati 1-0-1 after food with water and Gokshuradi guggul 2 -0-0 after breakfast with water Lessen intake of water and liquid diet after 7 pm. Do kegel exercises.
1.Chandraprabha vati 2 tab twice daily after meals with water’ 2.Shilajit capsules 1 cap twice daily with water after meals 3.Ashwagandha capsules 2 cap at bedtime with warm milk 4.Punarnavva mandur 1 tab twice daily after meals with water
Lifestyle & Gentle Practices - Warm Sitz Baths: Soak lower body in warm water with Triphala powder or Dashamoola decoction. - Pelvic Floor Exercises: Gentle Moola Bandha (root lock) or Kegel exercises to strengthen muscles. - Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Use warm Dhanwantharam Taila or Bala Ashwagandha oil over lower abdomen and thighs. - Avoid Cold Exposure: Keep feet and lower back warm, especially at night.
🍲 Diet & Daily Habits - Favor warm, moist foods: Soups, stews, ghee, and cooked grains. - Avoid: Cold drinks, caffeine, excess salt, and dry snacks. - Bedtime Ritual: Empty bladder fully before sleep. Sip warm cumin-fennel tea after dinner.
Incontinence can be distressing, but there are several Ayurvedic approaches that might support you in managing this condition. Understanding that incontinence issue often relates to vata dosha imbalance is key. Vata, governs movement in the body, including the function of the bladder. First, let’s focus on diet — consuming warm, cooked foods can help pacify vata. Include easily digestible grains like rice, and moong dal in your meals and incorporate warm spices like cumin, ginger, and fennel to support digestion. Avoid foods that are cold, dry, or too heavy, as they might aggravate vata.
Hydration is essential, yet it’s advisable to regulate fluid intake closer to bedtime. Try sipping warm water with a pinch of ginger throughout the day and reduce liquid consumption two hours before sleep. Evening routines matter too. Establish a calming nightly routine to stabilize vata and promote relaxation: consider a short meditation or deep breathing exercises (pranayama), particularly one that focuses on deep, slow breaths.
Specific Ayurvedic herbs might be beneficial. Ashwagandha and Bala are known for stabilizing vata and strengthening nervous system, but it’s important to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before beginning any herbal regimen. A herbal-based oil massage, snehan, might also be useful - try warming sesame oil and massage gently around lower back and abdomen before a bath.
Pelvic floor exercises (often known as Kegel exercises) can offer physical strengthening for urinary control. Spend few minutes daily contracting pelvic muscles, holding for a few seconds and releasing. Repeat gradually increasing repetitions to build muscle tone.
If the episodes of incontinence persist or increase in frequency, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Incontinence can stem from various underlying conditions, requiring a comprehensive medical assessment to identify and address the root cause.
