For a patient suffering from stress urinary incontinence seeking relief without increasing medication, what might you recommend?

In cases of stress urinary incontinence, especially for patients looking to manage their condition without resorting to medication, estrogen vaginal cream can be a beneficial recommendation. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the tissues in the urinary tract and pelvic region. In postmenopausal women, the decline in estrogen levels can lead to atrophy of the vaginal and urethral tissues, contributing to incontinence.

Topical estrogen therapy, such as estrogen vaginal cream, can help to restore the health of these tissues, enhancing their elasticity, and potentially improving bladder control. This method targets the affected area directly and often results in fewer systemic side effects compared to oral medications. It's a non-invasive approach that aligns with the goal of providing relief without the need for increased medication, making it an appropriate recommendation for patients.

Other options may involve medications that are primarily anticholinergic or antidepressants, which could potentially introduce new side effects or not target the underlying issue effectively. Therefore, estrogen vaginal cream stands out as a more suitable choice in managing stress urinary incontinence while addressing the patient's wish to avoid further medication.