Urinary Incontinence Treatment

You may be one of millions of people who experience frustrating and embarrassing bladder control problems. These conditions prevent you from controlling when and how much you urinate. This can make simple, everyday activities a challenge and social lives very difficult. More than 13 million people in the United States experience urinary incontinence, about 85% of whom are women. Loss of bladder control is a common problem and there are many treatment options available. However, it is important to seek professional help. If you have symptoms that affect your daily life, tell your doctor. A complete and thorough exam is needed to find the cause of the problem. In most cases, urinary incontinence can be greatly improved with treatment.

Formal urodynamic testing evaluates how the bladder behaves during the filling, storing and emptying phases. Two small catheters are placed, one in the bladder and one in the vagina. These measure pressure changes as the bladder is slowly filled. Provocative techniques such as coughing and running water are used to test the bladder for leakage and muscle spasm. This information can help the practitioner accurately diagnose the type of urinary incontinence and tailor each patient’s therapy.

Treatment options include:

• Behavioral/Lifestyle Modifications
• Medications
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy)
• Surgery

If you are experiencing bladder control problems, Catawba Women’s Center’s team of caring medical professionals will be happy to discuss your symptoms and customize a plan of care that will work for you.

For further information please see the ACOG Patient Publications about Urinary Incontinence and Surgical Options for Urinary Incontinence.

More Information

• Listen to Dr. Whitton talk about Incontinence.