Incontinence refers to bladder control problems such as leaks or urgency. It is estimated that 8.7 percent of the global population suffers from incontinence, but this number may not actually represent the growing problem. Many patients don’t speak to their doctors about bladder leaks as they are embarrassed or don’t believe there is anything that can help them.
First and foremost, there are a wide variety of treatments available for incontinence, and there may now be one more to add to that list.
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The latest treatment development involves light therapy, which uses an actual light to influence or control genetically modified cells.
A common cause of incontinence is hyperactivity of brain-to-bladder signals. The latest research findings suggest that using LEDs to stimulate nerves in the bladder of rats could relieve incontinence symptoms. The researchers developed a device that was implanted in the bladders of the rats, which can become stimulated and influence the nerves in the bladder.
The device consists of a small metal ring, green LED lights, and a control center. It also contains a battery that can be charged wirelessly.
The device can detect changes that occur in the bladder along with identifying cases of frequent urination. The cells in the rat’s bladders were genetically modified to become sensitive to light. When bladder changes are detected, the LED lights turn on and signal the modified cells to prevent urination signals from reaching the brain.
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This is a breakthrough treatment which could offer a safer, less painful treatment method for incontinence. Current treatments include a vaginal mesh which can leave some patients in pain or increase the risk of infection. Other electric stimuli treatments target the signals from the bladder to the brain, but in some instances, they can affect other areas of the body as well.
Researcher Robert Gereau concluded, “Bladder function is quite similar between rat and human… But before the device can be developed for possible human use, some modifications will be required. Because the human bladder is thicker, red lights which penetrate further into tissue may be needed instead.”
Also read:
- Natural bladder supplements: 18 herbal remedies for overactive bladder
- 9 Yoga poses to strengthen your bladder
- 8 reasons for your leaky bladder
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
