Why Can't I Control My Bladder?

Urinary incontinence is a common problem for many women, especially as they get older. But just because it’s common, that doesn’t mean it’s normal — and luckily, it can be treated. Here’s how we can help.

Aging brings lots of changes — some good and some not so good. For many women, bladder leakage is one of the changes on the not-so-good side of that list.

In fact, recent studies show nearly 80 million American women suffer from some degree of urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms, with about a third reporting symptoms occurring regularly.

Even though UI is common, many women fail to report it to their doctor, perhaps because they assume it’s a “natural” change or because they’re simply too embarrassed to bring it up. But the fact is, although it’s certainly common, UI is definitely not normal — and it’s also something you should definitely discuss with your doctor.

At OB/GYN Associates of Conroe, Richard Roberts, MD, offers compassionate, comprehensive treatment for incontinence issues, with every treatment plan tailored to each woman’s unique needs. In this post, Dr. Roberts and his team describe the underlying causes of UI and what can be done to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

The ABCs of urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence happens when your bladder leaks urine, either a few dribbles or a whole bladder’s worth, and it tends to be about twice as common among women compared with men. That’s largely because many of the factors associated with UI affect women — factors like menopause, pregnancy, and vaginal birth.

For many women, UI happens when the network of muscles and ligaments that support the bladder and other pelvic organs starts to weaken. As we age, a decline in natural collagen fibers causes muscles and ligaments to lose their strength, making UI more likely.

At the same time, pressure from pregnancy and vaginal childbirth strain and stretch muscles and ligaments, adding to potential weakness. Hormonal fluctuations from menopause also contribute to collagen weakening and decline.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), obesity, nerve-related disorders, and even some types of medication can increase the risk of UI, too, especially when combined with the effects of aging.

Understanding UI types

During your office visit, Dr. Roberts reviews your symptoms and uses special tests to determine the type of UI you have. To some degree, knowing the type helps him prescribe the most appropriate and most effective treatment.

Stress incontinence

The most common type of urinary incontinence, stress incontinence causes urine leakage when abrupt stress is placed on the pelvic area. If you have stress incontinence, you may leak urine when you laugh, sneeze, or cough, or when you engage in physical activity, including sex.

Urge incontinence

People with urge incontinence have an undeniable need to urinate right away, making it difficult to reach the bathroom in time. You may know this type of incontinence by its nickname: overactive bladder.

Mixed incontinence

Mixed incontinence involves symptoms of both stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Overflow incontinence

Overflow incontinence happens when you don’t completely empty your bladder when you urinate. While both women and men can have this type of incontinence, in men, it can be associated with prostate problems.

Treating UI: We have a solution

Urinary incontinence can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but fortunately, there are solutions that can help. Many women benefit from simple pelvic floor exercises to restore muscle tone and prevent urine leakage. Other women find medication or hormone therapy effective in relieving their symptoms.

Vaginal pessaries may also help. These small devices are inserted into the vagina where they provide additional support for the bladder and urethra.

For more complex cases, Dr. Roberts may recommend surgery to gently lift the bladder and repair damaged or weakened muscles. Urethral sling surgery is another type of procedure that uses a special surgical mesh to support the bladder and urethra.

Find a solution for your UI symptoms

Urinary incontinence happens for different reasons, and the key to finding a solution that works is to speak with Dr. Roberts as soon as possible. To find a treatment that works for you, call 936-756-7788 or book an appointment online with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today.