Taking Back Control Over Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, or accidental leaks of urine, is a common problem that affects men and women of all ages. Incontinence doesn’t have to disrupt your life and keep you from being active — there are many treatments available to help you manage this condition.

The two main types of urinary incontinence are stress incontinence and urge incontinence. By addressing the type of incontinence, we can work toward regaining control.

Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence is the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a restroom. It is often found in aging populations and those who have conditions such as diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Urge incontinence may be an indication of other diseases or conditions that would also warrant medical attention.

Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence involves the leakage of urine during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, or other body movements that put pressure on the bladder. Stress incontinence is typically due to a weak pelvic floor that can no longer support your pelvic organs as they should. Without the support of strong pelvic muscles, you’re more likely to leak urine. Women who have been pregnant and men who have had prostate surgery are at higher risk for stress incontinence.

Regaining Control
There are many therapies to help regain control of the bladder. Diet modifications can be a good place to start, such as eliminating caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

Adults of all ages can exercise and strengthen the pelvic muscles, using Kegel exercises, to improve muscle tone and prevent leakage. Learning the proper technique to perform these exercises correctly is critical to them being effective.

Pelvic floor exercises can be done at home or with a physical therapist and are particularly helpful to better understand your body and pelvic floor muscles. Regular, daily exercising of pelvic muscles can improve, and even prevent, urinary incontinence.

There are other options besides Kegel exercises, such as a minimally invasive bulking agent introduced into the urethra and bladder. Success rates for this treatment are near 90% successful at preventing leakage, and can last up to 10 years.

Medication may help in conjunction with other treatments for postmenopausal women struggling with urinary incontinence. Or if the incontinence is related to structural problems, such as an abnormally positioned bladder or a blockage, surgery may also be an option.

If you or a loved one are experiencing incontinence, please talk with your primary care provider or contact Barton Urology to understand options. Safe, accessible medical services are available to improve quality of life and help you feel your best.

Dr. Miriam Locke is a Board-certified Urologist treating men and women for incontinence and a variety of urological issues at Barton Urology in South Lake Tahoe. For more information, visit bartonhealth.org.