As if urinary incontinence isn’t bad enough, there are three different types of it. Understanding the type of urinary incontinence from which you suffer will help you treat the embarrassing condition. All is not lost, so don’t get too discouraged. Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN treats urinary incontinence in many patients, and we can customize a treatment plan for you to alleviate your symptoms.
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence, also referred to as SUI, is very common with many of our patients. The stress that causes the urinary incontinence is unexpected pressure on the bladder. As a consequence of this pressure, you urinate when you didn’t expect to. Things that create the perfect condition for SUI include coughing, exercising, laughing, lifting heavy boxes, and sneezing. As we age, bladder muscles weaken and allow urine to escape once the bladder is placed under any of the named stressors.
Urge Urinary Incontinence
Many women suffer from urge urinary incontinence, or UUI, when they reach menopause. As its name suggests, urge urinary incontinence means you have a sudden need to urinate. Because the urge to urinate is intense and unexpected, you might urinate in your pants. The urine loss could be a few drops or a complete bladder evacuation. Bladder muscles squeezing at the wrong time causes urge urinary incontinence and there are numerous theories as to why the bladder muscles contract unexpectedly.
Mixed Urinary Incontinence
When you combine stress urinary incontinence with urge urinary incontinence you end up with mixed urinary incontinence and, understandably, a lot of frustration. Sometimes, you might find yourself unable to get to the bathroom soon enough. Other times, you may dribble a little when you laugh at your spouse’s latest joke. Either way, the incontinence can become problematic if you cannot control it. Keep track of triggers – when you experience the sudden urges or stresses – and come see us.
Treatment Options
The best way to treat urinary incontinence is to strengthen the bladder muscles because no matter what type you have, your bladder muscles are causing it. There are exercises you can do to strengthen what we call the “pelvic floor.” These are the bladder and other muscles found in the pelvis and the stronger they are the better they hold urine. Surgery is also an option for severe urinary incontinence cases.
Call Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN in Stockbridge, GA, at 770-474-1919 to set up an appointment with one of our physicians. We will discuss your urinary incontinence with you and plan a successful course of treatment.
