Incontinence

What are the types of incontinence?

Incontinence is the medical term used to describe a loss of bladder control. There are several different types of incontinence.

Stress incontinence

This occurs when some action places pressure on your bladder, causing urine to leak. Something as simple as laughing, coughing, or lifting a heavy object can cause stress incontinence.

Urge incontinence

This type of incontinence is often caused by an underlying medical condition. You might experience a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. 

Functional incontinence

This occurs when a medical condition or physical limitation prevents you from making it to the bathroom in time.

Overflow incontinence

This type of incontinence occurs when your bladder doesn’t fully empty during urination, and additional urine dribbles out between bathroom visits. 

If you experience involuntary loss of bladder control, schedule a diagnostic work-up as soon as possible to explore treatment options. 

What causes incontinence?

Numerous things can cause or contribute to incontinence. Pregnancy and childbirth are common causes, as the positioning of pelvic organs can change as a result. Having more than one child increases your risk of incontinence.

Additional factors that can cause urinary incontinence include:

• Menopause
• Neurological disorders
• Urinary tract infection
• Certain blood pressure or heart medications
• Consuming alcohol or caffeine

Determining the type of incontinence you’re experiencing is the first step in crafting a treatment plan.

Are there treatments that can help improve bladder control?

There are many ways to treat incontinence, and the right path for you depends on the type of incontinence you’re experiencing as well as your overall health and lifestyle. Medications can play a role in addressing the problem and work to control bladder spasms. 

There are also devices you can place inside your vagina to alter the positioning of your bladder. Some women can improve bladder control through specific exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles or by using the restroom on a schedule to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits.

Surgery is an option in cases where your bladder has shifted out of normal positioning. Some procedures use minimally invasive techniques to insert an implanted sling device. 

When you’re ready to learn more, call the office to book a visit or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.