Which intervention is known to effectively manage stress incontinence?

Kegel exercises are a well-established intervention for managing stress incontinence. These exercises work by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and help control urination. By engaging these muscles, women can enhance their ability to control involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as laughing, sneezing, or exercising.

The effectiveness of Kegel exercises lies in their ability to improve muscle tone and strength, ultimately providing better support for the urethra and reducing episodes of incontinence. Regularly performing these exercises can lead to significant improvements in bladder control and quality of life for those affected by stress incontinence.

In contrast, other interventions like medication, bladder training, and surgery can also be effective but may address different aspects or types of incontinence. Medication can help with urgency and frequency but may not directly influence the mechanics of stress incontinence. Bladder training involves scheduled voiding to improve bladder muscle function, which may be more effective for urge incontinence than for stress incontinence. Surgery is considered for more severe cases, and while it can provide permanent solutions, it is typically a last resort after conservative measures have been tried and failed.