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Control When You Go

One in three adult women experience urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. You’re in good company. It’s OK to talk about it — especially with your doctor. You can often manage bladder leaks with medication, physical therapy or bladder training. For some, surgery may be an option. Learn more about ways to regain control.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence happens when you have trouble controlling your bladder and leak urine. There are several different types:

  • Stress incontinence – When you leak urine during exercise, or when you sneeze, cough, laugh or lift heavy objects
  • Urge incontinence – When you can’t hold urine long enough to reach a bathroom
  • Functional incontinence – When you can’t reach a bathroom quickly enough because of a physical conditional like arthritis
  • Overflow incontinence – When your bladder can’t hold the amount of urine you produce

What causes incontinence?

It’s important to understand what’s causing your incontinence before you explore treatment options. Some potential causes are:

  • Weakened pelvic floor muscles or disorders
  • Pelvic organ prolapse, when the bladder or uterus drops into or pushes against the walls of the vagina
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and other diseases

How is incontinence treated?

There are several treatments available. Your doctor will likely recommend the easiest treatment options first to see if your symptoms improve. Those may include:

  • Behavioral techniques like bladder training and fluid management
  • Pelvic floor muscle exercises
  • Medications

Will I need surgery?

Surgery may be recommended if the other treatments aren’t helping or if you have a pelvic floor disorder. Talk with a physician who specializes in urinary and pelvic disorders to know if surgery is right for you. He or she may ask:

  • Do your symptoms interfere with everyday life, despite treatment?
  • Is your incontinence caused by a “structural issue,” such as a prolapsed uterus or bladder, or weakened muscles?

These questions are only the starting point of getting the right treatment. What’s most important is starting that conversation.

Does incontinence only affect women?

Incontinence is a very common problem. Though it’s more common in women, it can affect anyone at any age. Don’t let embarrassment hold you back; treatment may be easier than you think.

To find a urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, call Tanner’s free, 24-hour physician referral line at 770-214-CARE (2273) or select “Find a Provider” at tanner.org. For more information about urology services at Tanner, visit Tanner Urology Care.

Urology Care




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