Incontinence

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (UI) can range from leaking just a few drops of urine to completely emptying your bladder without meaning to. It’s the most common urogynecological condition reported to doctors, although many women are too embarrassed to tell their doctors — or anyone — that they’re suffering with incontinence.

Incontinence may be brought on by a wide variety of health conditions and circumstances, and it typically grows worse with age. 

Fortunately, treatment for incontinence can be very effective. The doctors at OBGYN CARE provide compassionate medical care to diagnose and correct the source of your incontinence.

What are the types of incontinence?

There are two major types of UI: stress incontinence and urge incontinence. 

Stress incontinence produces urine leaks triggered by routine actions that increase pressure on your abdomen and pelvis, such as:

• Coughing
• Laughing
• Sneezing
• Heavy lifting

Leaks also can happen when working out, walking, or running.

Urge incontinence involves larger leaks of urine. You may feel a sudden overwhelming urge to urinate that’s hard to control. If you have this form incontinence, you may leak urine on the way to the bathroom.

Stress incontinence often has to do with an issue with your anatomy, while urge incontinence is related to a functional problem. Many cases of incontinence include both forms.

What causes urinary incontinence?

The following conditions often cause UI:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Diuretic medications
• Caffeine or alcohol
• Long-term constipation 
• Neuromuscular problems

Pelvic floor disorders are another possible cause. These disorders, such as pelvic organ prolapse, are due to a weakness in the muscles and tissues supporting your pelvic floor. 

How is incontinence treated?

Your OBGYN CARE doctor may first recommend nonsurgical treatment, such as bladder training, lifestyle changes, or Kegel exercises. In some cases, they recommend a pessary device or a minimally invasive therapy called vaginal revitalization. This therapy works to correct vaginal tissue laxity that may be causing your incontinence. 

In other cases, your doctor suggests a surgical sling, which is the surgical placement of mesh or your own tissue to support your bladder, or vaginoplasty. During vaginoplasty, your doctor surgically reshapes your vagina to “tighten” the canal.

If you’ve been too embarrassed to see your doctor about incontinence, rely on OBGYN CARE to provide the high-quality care you deserve. Call one of the offices today or book a consultation online to find out more about treating incontinence.