My Incontinence Is Embarrassing: Can You Help?

Urinary incontinence is a common problem — so common, it affects about 80 million American women. Yet despite how common it is, many women are too embarrassed to seek treatment, even though today’s therapies are simple, safe, and very effective.

At OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, Richard Roberts, MD, and his team offer an array of treatments for urinary incontinence aimed at helping women play a proactive role in their healthy lives. In this post, learn about treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and lead a more confident life. 

Why urinary incontinence happens

One reason why urinary incontinence is so common is because lots of factors can cause or contribute to it. Many women experience urinary incontinence as a result of a weakening of their pelvic floor muscles which support the urethra and bladder.

As we get older, natural tissue changes may cause these muscles to weaken. Childbirth can weaken your pelvic floor muscles as can hormonal changes associated with menopause. When the pelvic floor muscles weaken, that loss of support sometimes results in urine leakage.

Other types of urinary incontinence can be caused by urinary tract infections, certain medications, or even nerve-related problems. Being overweight or smoking can also increase your chances of having urinary incontinence.

Types of urinary incontinence

Just as there are different potential causes of urinary incontinence, there are different types of incontinence, too.

Stress incontinence

This type of incontinence causes urine leakage when you cough, laugh, or sneeze. It can also happen during exercise or sex. 

Urge incontinence

Also called overactive bladder, urge incontinence causes intense urges to urinate, making it difficult to reach a bathroom in time.

Mixed incontinence

As the name implies, this type of incontinence includes features of both stress and urge incontinence.

Overflow incontinence

Overflow incontinence occurs when your bladder doesn’t completely empty during urination, leading to overflow and leakage.

Treatments that can help

Fortunately for the millions of women suffering from urinary incontinence, many treatments can help. Our team offers an array of options to help you receive the best treatment for your symptoms, lifestyle, and other needs.

Medications

Urinary incontinence can often be managed with medications to relax bladder muscle spasms or tighten or restore the urethral sphincter. Options include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and certain decongestant medicines, along with estrogen therapy.

Urethral Dilatations

Dilating the urethra can reduce urgency incontinence caused by an inflamed urethra so you don’t need to hurry to get to the bathroom. It is comfortable after using a numbing gel and only takes a few minutes of an office visit.

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels) help strengthen the muscles that support your bladder and urethra. These exercises are especially helpful for women with stress incontinence.

Vaginal pessary

Some women with stress incontinence find relief with a vaginal pessary. This small device is inserted into the vagina, where it provides support for your bladder and urethra.

Magnetic Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Our NeoControl chair trains the pelvic floor muscles with pulsating magnetic fields while you sit fully clothed. It is a non-invasive, painless and comfortable treatment done twice a week for 4 to 8 weeks. It can rebuild the strength and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles.

Incontinence surgery

Women with severe stress incontinence may benefit from a urethral sling designed to provide gentle support for the urethra and bladder. More complex cases may be treated with a procedure called a bladder lift to reposition and support the bladder and urethra.

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that’s highly treatable. Don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking treatment. To learn how we can help, call 936-756-7788 or book an appointment online with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe today.