Urinary Incontinence

Even though urinary incontinence is an embarrassing condition, it is also very common. More prevalent with age, urinary incontinence is a condition where bladder control is lost. Indicators of urinary incontinence range from spotting to mild leaking to uncontainable urination.

Urinary incontinence can be categorized as either “stress incontinence” or “overactive bladder”.

• Stress incontinence is caused when the muscles that close off the bladder are weakened and don’t function properly. Patients may experience mild leaking during activities that add pressure to the bladder, like lifting heavy objects, coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.
• Overactive bladder is caused when the muscles that close off the bladder are too active, giving the urge to urinate even when there is very little urine in the bladder. Sometimes the urge is so strong and comes on so quickly that the patient doesn’t have time to reach a bathroom.

The treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type of incontinence and the severity of the condition. Treatments include: pelvic floor muscle exercises to strengthen the muscles, bladder training to delay urination after you get the sudden urge, medications, surgery or wearing pads, adult diapers, protective clothing, etc. Be sure to speak to your doctor to see which treatment method is right for you.