Urinary Incontinence in Women
Urinary incontinence is a prevalent and treatable condition affecting many women, as discussed by Dr. Nathan Fox and Dr. Alan Garely, a urogynecology specialist, in the Healthful Woman podcast episode called “Incontinence: Very Common, Very Treatable.” Continue reading to learn valuable insights into the causes, types, and treatment options for urinary incontinence at Carnegie Women’s Health.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Dr. Garely explains that urinary incontinence can be broadly categorized into three types: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when physical activities such as coughing, laughing, or sneezing increase abdominal pressure, causing urine leakage. This type is often linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles, commonly resulting from childbirth or menopause.
Understanding Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence, on the other hand, is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, leading to involuntary leakage. This condition is usually associated with overactive bladder muscles. Overflow incontinence is less common and typically occurs due to an inability to empty the bladder completely, often linked to neurological conditions. Dr. Garely states, “There’s what’s called mixed incontinence, which is the overlap of stress incontinence and urge incontinence in the same patient.” Depending on your unique condition, there are a variety of treatments available.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Dr. Garely highlights that vaginal childbirth is a significant risk factor for developing stress incontinence. Additionally, the natural aging process, which leads to decreased estrogen levels and weakened pelvic tissues, contributes to the condition. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, with a higher prevalence observed in certain populations, such as those of Northern European descent.
Treatment Options
Treatment for urinary incontinence varies based on the type and severity of the condition. For stress incontinence, pelvic floor therapy is often the first line of treatment. This therapy involves working with a specialized physical therapist to perform pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) and biofeedback techniques to strengthen the pelvic muscles. While pelvic floor therapy can significantly improve symptoms, it may not provide a complete cure for everyone.
Surgical options are available for more persistent cases of stress incontinence. Dr. Garely discusses the retropubic sling procedure, which has a high success rate and involves placing a supportive sling under the urethra to prevent leakage during physical activities. This minimally invasive surgery typically has a short recovery time, allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.
Urge incontinence can be managed with medications that help relax the bladder muscles and reduce urgency. Dr. Garely mentions anticholinergic drugs and a newer class of medication called beta-3 adrenergic agonists, which have fewer side effects. For those who do not respond to medications, advanced treatments like Botox injections into the bladder or sacral nerve root stimulation may be considered.
Seeking Help
Dr. Garely emphasizes the importance of seeking medical evaluation for urinary incontinence, as it significantly impacts the quality of life. Many women delay seeking treatment due to embarrassment or misconceptions about the condition. However, understanding that incontinence is a common and treatable issue can encourage more women to seek help and improve their quality of life.
About Carnegie Women’s Health
Carnegie Women’s Health in New York is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for women experiencing urinary incontinence. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition, the team at Carnegie Women’s Health ensures that patients receive the support and treatment they need to regain their confidence and comfort.
Contact Us
For more information on urinary incontinence and to schedule an appointment at Carnegie Women’s Health, fill out our online contact form or call our office today. Do not let incontinence affect your quality of life because effective treatment is available, and our team is here to help.
