Urinary Incontinence

Obgyn doctors in Idaho Falls who treat urinary incontinence.

Involuntary urination, known as urinary incontinence, is a common problem among women. Urinary incontinence may consist of a few drops of urine to a gushing amount that completely empties the bladder.

Other urinary incontinence symptoms include:

  • Dysuria – painful urination
  • Nocturnal enuresis – leaking urine while sleeping
  • Nocturia – frequent nighttime urination

It is also common for women to experience a strong urgency to urinate and increased frequency of urination.

TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

There are three main types of urinary incontinence in women.

  1. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
  2. Urgency urinary incontinence
  3. Mixed urinary incontinence

STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE (SUI)

When a woman leaks urine when coughing, laughing, or sneezing, these are symptoms specific to stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It is also common for women to experience SUI related leaking when running, walking or exercising.

URGENCY URINARY INCONTINENCE

The sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to stop and may lead to urinary leakage is referred to as urgency urinary incontinence.

MIXED URINARY INCONTINENCE

If both stress and urgency incontinence symptoms are present, it is possible that the condition is mixed urinary incontinence. However, these are similar symptoms to overactive bladder, so it is important to meet with one of the Rosemark specialists for an evaluation.

CAUSES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

Common urinary incontinence causes include:

  • Diuretic medications
  • Alcohol or caffeine
  • Substances that cause the production of urine
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Long term constipation

Other causes include anatomical problems such as:

  • Stones or growths that block the path between the bladder and urethra
  • Weak pelvic floor muscles and tissues
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Neuromuscular problems that interrupt signals from the brain to the bladder and urethra

TREATMENTS OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

There are many different treatment types for urinary incontinence comprising of both nonsurgical treatments to minimally invasive surgery. Nonsurgical treatments include:

  • Pelvic floor therapy called biofeedback
  • Pelvic floor exercises
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Bladder support devises
  • Medication

The minimally invasive surgical options the board-certified Rosemark surgeon may suggest to treat urinary incontinence include:

  • Miduretheral sling
  • Urethral bulking
  • Colposuspension

Urgency incontinence may be treated with sacral neuromodulation which is a technique where the surgeon places a thin wire in the skin of the low back and close to the nerve that controls the bladder. The wire is attached to a battery operated device, placed under the skin, where the device sends a mild signal through the wire to improve the bladder function.

SUMMARY

There are three types of urinary incontinence including stress urinary incontinence, urgency urinary incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence. Each of these conditions have nonsurgical and minimally invasive surgical methods of treatment.

If you are experiencing symptoms of urinary incontinence, contact Rosemark to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists who can help you get control of your life and stop those stressful, worrisome moments cause by urinary incontinence.