Urinary Problems

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control when the bladder releases urine. There are several different classifications of urinary incontinence, but the most common form is stress incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when pressure from laughing, coughing, sneezing, exercising, or lifting causes a patient to leak urine unexpectedly.  The next most common form is urge incontinence and this occurs when the ability to suppress the urge is overcome by the bladder and it empties. Common symptoms are constant urgency and going very frequently as well as getting up at night more than twice to empty.

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Pregnancy and childbirth can also lead to stress incontinence because of the strain and stretch it puts on the pelvic muscles and nerves. Obesity, chronic straining with constipation or chronic coughing can put pressure on the pelvic muscles and nerves leading to damage over time. The decreased estrogen levels associated with menopause can affect one’s ability to control her bladder and may lead to stress or urge incontinence and these frequently occur together.

How Is Incontinence Treated?

Our physicians offer conservative treatment options, including::

• Non-surgical therapy begins with scheduled voiding intervals and pelvic floor therapy (PFT), which helps to keep the pelvic muscles strong to support urinary health. These exercises, also known as Kegels, are an important first-line treatment.
• For patients with overactive bladder (OAB), we offer medication management to help with frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence.

If you have any questions about our treatment options, please call an OBGYN Associates provider.