Our Services / Management of Urinary Incontinence

OB-GYN in McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Fort Worth, TX , McKinney, TX

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting women of all ages, characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine. It can significantly impact quality of life, leading to physical discomfort, emotional distress, and social embarrassment.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

1. Stress Incontinence: This occurs when physical activities or movements such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising put pressure on the bladder, causing urine to leak. It is often related to weakened pelvic floor muscles or urethral sphincter.

2. Urge Incontinence: Also known as overactive bladder, this type is marked by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary urine leakage. It can be caused by involuntary bladder contractions.

3. Mixed Incontinence: This is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence, where symptoms of both types are present.

4. Overflow Incontinence: This occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, leading to overflow and leakage. It can be due to weak bladder muscles, nerve damage, or blockages in the urinary tract.

5. Functional Incontinence: This type is due to physical or mental impairments that prevent a person from reaching the toilet in time, such as arthritis or Alzheimer's disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

Urinary incontinence in women can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Pregnancy and Childbirth: These can weaken pelvic floor muscles and cause nerve damage.

Aging: The bladder and urethra lose elasticity with age.

Menopause: Reduced estrogen levels can weaken the bladder and urethral tissues.

Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the bladder.

Hysterectomy: Surgery involving the reproductive organs can affect pelvic floor support.

Neurological Disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke can interfere with nerve signals involved in bladder control.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and tests such as urinalysis, bladder diary, post-void residual measurement, and urodynamic testing.

Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of incontinence and may include:

Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, fluid management, and dietary modifications.

Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises): Strengthening the pelvic muscles.

Medications: Drugs to relax the bladder or increase urethral muscle tone.

Medical Devices: Pessaries or urethral inserts.

Minimally Invasive Procedures: Injections or sling procedures.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions such as bladder neck suspension or artificial urinary sphincter implantation may be necessary.

Conclusion Urinary incontinence is a manageable condition with a variety of treatment options available. Women experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan, improving their quality of life and restoring confidence.

✆ Phone (appointments): 945-277-8818

Fax: 945-277-8819

Address: 1400 N Coit Rd, Building 4, Suite 404, McKinney, TX 75071