Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control, which can result in occasional leaks or, for some women, a stronger and more sudden urge to urinate. It can range from just a few drops during activities like coughing or exercising, to a more noticeable loss of urine, and some women experience a combination of both. If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone. Urinary incontinence is incredibly common, affecting more than 60% of adult women in the United States at some point, according to the National Association For Continence. It becomes more common with age and is significantly more common in women than men, largely due to the natural changes the pelvic floor undergoes during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the decrease in estrogen that comes with menopause. 

There are several types of urinary incontinence, and understanding which type (or types) you're experiencing can help your doctor find the most effective treatment. These include:

• Transient incontinence, a temporary form caused by a specific, treatable issue, such as a urinary tract infection or certain medications, that typically resolves once the underlying cause is treated
• Stress incontinence, an accidental loss of urine triggered by a sneeze, cough, or other movement that places pressure on the bladder
• Urge incontinence, leakage caused by an overactive bladder, which can stem from a variety of causes, including bladder irritation, infection, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
• Overflow incontinence, frequent dribbling that occurs when the bladder doesn't empty completely
• Mixed incontinence, a combination of both stress and urge incontinence, which is common, especially among women

Many women experience more than one type at once, and that's completely normal. Our team can help identify what's contributing to your symptoms and find a treatment plan that works for you.

• Behavioral training and pelvic floor therapy. Techniques and exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help improve bladder control.
• Impressa®. A removable, over-the-counter silicone device designed to support pelvic organs and help prevent leakage from stress incontinence.
• A pessary. A removable device, fitted and prescribed by your doctor, that supports pelvic organs and can help manage incontinence and other pelvic floor concerns.
• Medications. Certain medications can help calm an overactive bladder or address other underlying causes.
• BOTOX®. These injections can help some women with neurogenic bladder and urge incontinence.
• Bulking injections. Injectable gels used to thicken the tissue around the urethra to help control leakage.
• Surgery. As with most conditions, surgery is typically considered only after other treatment options have been tried.

Some of these treatments are provided directly by our physicians, while others may require a referral to a physical therapist or urologist. Our team will help guide you to the right specialist and treatment plan for your needs.