Urinary Incontinence Overview
Women with urinary incontinence regularly experience a loss of bladder control. Often, this includes a sudden and intense urge to urinate, followed by unintentional passing of urine. Urinary incontinence ranges from leaking urine after sneezing, coughing or laughing to a complete loss of bladder control.
Urinary incontinence can occur at any age (and even for males), but it is particularly common in older individuals and women during pregnancy, after childbirth, and after the hormonal changes of menopause.
What are the different types of urinary incontinence?
There are four types of urinary incontinence:
- Functional – individuals have difficulty reaching a bathroom in time due to physical conditions, like injury or other disabilities.
- Overflow – people with overflow incontinence leak urine when the amount of urine produced is too much for the bladder to hold.
- Stress – women leak urine when exercising, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or during other activities that put pressure on the bladder.
- Urgency – patients often have strong, sudden and frequent urges to urinate and can’t hold urine long enough to reach a restroom.
What causes urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is common when disease, medication, or the onset of an illness causes a change in body function. It sometimes is the first and only symptom of a urinary tract infection. Women are most likely to experience urinary incontinence when pregnant (due to increased pressure on the bladder), after childbirth (when the uterus and other organs are returning to their normal state), and during/after menopause (when hormones are changing).
What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?
Losing control of your bladder, even a little bit, while exercising, coughing, sneezing or laughing, and after surgery or childbirth, can be a sign of urinary incontinence. Other symptoms can include:
- Feeling an immediate urge to urinate and unable to control it.
- Feeling that your bladder is not completely empty.
Symptoms of urinary incontinence can vary among individuals, and this is why it’s best to see a doctor for an official diagnosis.
How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?
At NGPG, we have a specialized urogynecology program with providers who have specialized training to diagnose and treat urinary incontinence. Looking at urine samples, reproductive organs, and urinary and nervous systems will help a urogynecologist diagnose an individual with urinary incontinence.
What type of doctor should I see for urinary incontinence?
While your gynecologist may be able to help diagnose and treat urinary incontinence, you can seek out more advanced expertise. Our urogynecologists are specially trained in non-surgical and surgical treatments to help reduce urinary incontinence.
How is urinary incontinence treated?
There are several options available for treating urinary incontinence. Bladder training or routine scheduled visits to the bathroom may help those who wish to avoid medical treatment. Improving pelvic muscle tone through kegel exercises or other activities can prevent urine leakages as well.
Bladder diaries
A bladder diary is a chart where patients record the amount of fluid they drink as well as when they urinate. The simple test can help you, and your doctor understand if you have a sudden need to urinate that can’t be delayed. The data will enable your doctor to develop a customized treatment plan and monitor your progress.
Bladder training
Bladder training is a treatment for urinary incontinence. The goal of therapy is to increase the amount of time you need between urinating as well as increase the amount of fluid the bladder can hold.
Botox for overactive bladder and neurogenic detrusor overactivity
Botox is a treatment for urinary incontinence that is caused by neurological conditions or in women who have overactive bladder without a known cause. Learn more about Botox.
Pelvic floor therapy and exercises
Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, including the bladder and vagina. The exercises can help stop incontinence and treat prolapse, and help make sex more pleasurable. A pelvic floor physical therapist can help create a treatment plan tailored to you. Learn more about pelvic floor physical therapy
Sacral neuromodulation / peripheral nerve stimulation
Sacral neuromodulation is a procedure that is used to treat women with chronic urinary retention and overactive bladder who are not getting symptom relief from medication or physiotherapy. The goal of sacral neuromodulation is to alter the function of the sacral nerves that control the bladder and muscles in charge of urinary function.
Surgery
Depending on the cause of your urinary incontinence, surgery may be recommended to improve your symptoms. Urogynecologists have specialized expertise in these types of sensitive surgeries that involve both the gynecologic and urologic systems. Sling procedures, bladder suspension or a pessary may be used to help keep the bladder or other pelvic organs in place if they are putting pressure on the bladder.
Urethral bulking agents
During this procedure, a urogynecologist will inject a substance that will add bulk to the urethra, improving how well it closes and retains liquids. Repeat treatments may be required.
Choose NGPG for urinary incontinence care
For many women, urinary incontinence may be something they’ve lived with for some time, but they don’t have to. Our specialized urogynecology program is designed specifically for you to help provide the expertise and care options you need. We offer the most advanced treatment options and latest approaches for common disorders from endometriosis to urinary incontinence.
To request an appointment or to ask questions regarding our gynecologic services, treatments and office locations, please complete our online form or call one of our four office locations.