What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the bladder. This symptom can range in severity, from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to a sudden, strong urge to urinate.
What are the different types of incontinence?
Urinary incontinence can come in many forms, including:
- Stress, which occurs when pressure is placed on the bladder. Urine may leak out when you laugh, sneeze, cough, exercise or lift something heavy.
- Urge, which occurs when you have a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You will often feel the need to urinate, even during the night.
- Overflow, which occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty. You will experience constant, frequent dribbling of urine.
- Functional, which occurs when a mental or physical impairment prevents you from reaching the toilet in time. This is a can be a common issue for those with severe arthritis.
- Mixed, which occurs when you have more than one of the types above.
What are the causes?
Urinary incontinence is a symptom, not a disease. It can be caused by underlying medical conditions, physical problems, and everyday habits. Certain foods, drinks, and medications can stimulate your bladder and increase your volume of urine. Alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, heart and blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants can all act as diuretics (increased production of urine).
The following can also contribute to persistent bladder issues:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Constipation
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Menopause
- Changes in age
- Bladder stones
- Bladder cancer
- Prior pelvic surgery including hysterectomy
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- Neurological disorders (i.e., back or spine surgery, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, etc.)
How is urinary incontinence treated?
If you suffer from incontinence, schedule an appointment at Central Texas Urogynecology & Continence Center in Austin. There are many types of treatments for urinary incontinence, including:
- Axonics® Therapy for Bladder Control
- Advanced pelvic surgery
- Pelvic floor physical therapy/pelvic muscle rehabilitation
- Bulkamid for Stress Urinary Incontinence
- Botox bladder injections
- Urethral bulking injections
- Urethral slings
- InterStim sacral nerve modulation
- diVa laser vaginal therapy
- Medication
- Behavioral modification
A complete exam and detailed evaluation is needed to determine which treatments are best for any individual patient. Click on the treatment options above to learn more.
Request an appointment in Austin, Texas
It’s time to feel confident and more like yourself again! Schedule an appointment today. Give us a call at 512-716-0861 or fill out the appointment request form on our site. When you request an appointment online, a member of our team will reach out to confirm your appointment.
