Are you concerned about or ashamed of urinary incontinence? You shouldn’t be. This medical condition is more common than you’d think — millions of women deal with it annually. Even if you’re embarrassed, it’s time to talk to your doctor about urinary incontinence. There are ways to help you manage this condition.
At Bela Vida Urogynecology in Oviedo, and Kissimmee, Florida, we help patients with urinary incontinence nearly every day. You don’t have to resign yourself to absorbent pads for life or miss out on fun activities due to a need to stay close to the ladies’ room.
How common is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is extremely widespread, especially among women (who are twice as likely as men to suffer from this condition). It’s estimated that 25% of women who have borne children have occasional urinary incontinence; up to 40% of women over age 65 also experience bladder control issues.
The total number of women in the United States with urinary incontinence is expected to reach 28.4 million by 2050. The most common reasons for incontinence include:
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Previous childbirth
- Separation of the abdominal wall
- Weak pelvic floor
- Repeated UTIs or bladder infections
Some women only have occasional, slight urine leakage, usually tied to a full bladder and an explosive muscle spasm, like a laugh, a cough, a sneeze, or a shout. Other women experience frequent urinary incontinence and lose much more urine.
Urinary incontinence types
Types of urinary incontinence vary, and you can have one type at one stage of your life and another type later on. You can even have more than one type at the same time. Our doctors can diagnose the type and cause of your incontinence and help create a personalized, discreet treatment plan.
- Stress incontinence is common after childbirth; it presents as sudden, small urine leaks when you laugh, cough, sneeze, exercise, or lift something heavy
- Urge incontinence (overactive bladder) is common if you have diabetes or frequent UTIs, and it’s characterized by a frequent, urgent need to urinate (especially at night) and an inability to “hold it”
- Overflow incontinence — a slow dribbling of urine after you finish going to the bathroom — often occurs in women with pelvic floor weakness
- Functional incontinence is common if you have arthritis or another disabling condition that makes it difficult to get to the bathroom when needed or to lower your clothing to sit
Solutions for urinary incontinence
If incontinence affects your daily life, know that treatments are available. The all-female team at Bela Vida Urogynecology can work with you to find a solution for your urinary incontinence. Treatments may include:
- Pelvic floor exercises, physical therapy, or biofeedback
- Oral medications or injectables like Botox®
- Insertable devices such as vaginal pessaries
- InterStim electrical stimulation
- Corrective surgery
If you suffer from urinary incontinence, call Bela Vida Urogynecology at either our Kissimmee or Oviedo, Florida, location to schedule an appointment. We can provide you with answers and solutions.