Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary spilling of urine. If you accidentally leak urine, you may suffer from this ailment, also known as bladder control loss. The National Institutes of Health's Office of Research on Women's Health estimates that it affects twice as many women as men.
A doctor or healthcare expert can discuss the various medical and surgical therapies for urine incontinence. Here's what you should know before the appointment.
What type of doctor can you see for urinary incontinence?
To begin with, try seeing any of the following types of doctors:
- Primary care doctor: If you already have a relationship with a primary care physician, it's best to begin there. If necessary, they may recommend you to a specialist.
- Gynecologist: Begin by discussing your symptoms with your gynecologist or OB-GYN, if you have one.
- Urologist: Urology doctors specialize in treating urinary tract problems.
- Urogynecologist: A urogynecologist, who specializes in treating both women's reproductive system and urinary tract difficulties, may be the best person to diagnose, treat, and manage your urine incontinence. They are highly trained to handle disorders like pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence.
Prepare ahead of time to ensure a pleasant conversation with your healthcare provider.
- Write down your symptoms so you're prepared to discuss them and don't forget anything.
- List any drugs you are taking.
- Make a note of any other important medical information that may be relevant.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member to accompany you to your appointment.
What steps can you take next?
To identify the best doctor to treat your problem, start with a primary care physician or, if necessary, a gynecologist. They might be able to recommend you to a urologist or urogynecologist who specializes in treating urinary incontinence and other related issues.
To diagnose your specific problem, a doctor will most likely begin by taking your medical history and performing a physical examination. Along with a urine test, a doctor may perform a bladder stress test. This is a simple, noninvasive method for determining whether you leak urine while your bladder is under stress.
Eventually, a doctor may advise additional tests. For example, they may perform an ultrasound of your abdomen or pelvis to look for any potential causes of incontinence.
Another test that may be performed is a cystoscopy, which involves inserting a small tube with a camera into your urethra and bladder to examine for damage. Urodynamics can also be used to determine how much water your bladder can store by filling it with water through a thin tube and then monitoring the pressure.
What’s the treatment for urinary incontinence?
Medical therapy recommendations for urine incontinence commonly include:
- vaginal estrogen cream
- medications for bladder control difficulties, like oxybutynin (Oxytrol For Women, Oxytrol, Ditropan XL), tolterodine (Detrol and Detrol LA)
- botox injections in your bladder
- medicines for constipation, as constipation can contribute to urine incontinence.
- electrical nerve stimulation to strengthen your bladder muscles
- medical devices like catheters for emptying urine, urethral inserts, and vaginal pessaries that support your pelvic floor muscles and decrease pressure on your bladder.
- biofeedback devices
- bulking gels or pastes around your urethra
A doctor may also prescribe that you try certain lifestyle adjustments and activities at home, like:
- quitting smoking
- weight loss to reduce pressure on your bladder
- dietary modifications, including limiting your consumption of carbonated, caffeine-containing, and alcoholic beverages.
- physical therapy for the pelvic floor may include Kegel exercises, biofeedback, electric stimulation, or different muscle-strengthening activities.
- bladder training exercises
In severe circumstances, a doctor may recommend surgery, however, bladder removal surgery is often indicated only after all other options have been exhausted.
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