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Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence Care at Maria Regina OB/GYN
Urinary incontinence is a common and often frustrating condition that can interfere with daily activities, sleep, confidence, and overall quality of life. At Maria Regina OB/GYN, our experienced team provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment options for women experiencing bladder control issues. You don’t have to accept incontinence as a normal part of aging—effective solutions are available.
Urinary Incontinence Q & A
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence occurs when you are unable to control the release of urine. It can range from occasional leakage to a complete inability to hold urine. Although it becomes more common with age, it can affect women at any stage of life and often has multiple causes. There are several types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress Incontinence
Leakage occurs when pressure is placed on the bladder—such as during coughing, laughing, sneezing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects. It often results from weakened pelvic floor muscles, childbirth, or hormonal changes. - Urge Incontinence
Also known as “overactive bladder,” this type is characterized by a strong, sudden urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. It may be triggered by bladder irritation, infections, or neurological conditions. - Overflow Incontinence
This occurs when the bladder cannot fully empty, causing urine to overflow or dribble unexpectedly. It may be linked to nerve problems, blockages, or weakened bladder muscles. - Functional Incontinence
Even when bladder function is normal, physical or cognitive challenges—such as mobility limitations—can prevent a person from reaching the bathroom in time
Some women experience mixed incontinence, which includes symptoms from more than one category.
When should I see a doctor?
Any change in bladder control warrants a conversation with your provider. Many women endure symptoms for years, believing incontinence is “just part of getting older.” It is not. With proper evaluation, most types of urinary incontinence can be managed or significantly improved.
Schedule an exam if you notice:
- Increasing leaks or urgency
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Bladder changes after childbirth or menopause
- Symptoms affecting daily routines or emotional well-being
Urinary incontinence can also indicate underlying health issues, and in some cases, it may increase the risk of falls or infections.
What treatments are available for urinary incontinence?
At Maria Regina OB/GYN, treatment is personalized based on the type and severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and your lifestyle. Options may include:
Behavioral and Lifestyle Strategies
- Bladder training
- Scheduled voiding
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises)
- Weight management
- Dietary adjustments to reduce bladder irritants
These approaches are often effective for mild to moderate incontinence.
- Medications: Certain medications can relax the bladder, reduce urgency, or improve your bladder’s ability to hold urine. Others help ensure more complete emptying during urination.
- Botox® Injections: Botox can be injected into the bladder muscle to reduce overactivity and improve urge incontinence, offering relief that can last several months.
- Urethral Bulking Agents: For stress incontinence, injecting a bulking material around the urethra can help reduce leakage by improving closure of the urethra.
- Surgical Options: Various management options are available depending on the patient's total medical history and desire. Referral to a GYN urologist may be decided.
If urinary incontinence is impacting your life, you don’t have to manage it alone. Contact Maria Regina OB/GYN to schedule an evaluation. Book online or call our office to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options. Effective relief is within reach.