What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a common condition that affects millions of people, particularly older adults. At Urology Specialists of Georgia, we provide comprehensive care to diagnose and treat urinary incontinence, helping patients regain control and improve their quality of life.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

• Stress Incontinence: Leakage of urine during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
• Urge Incontinence: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. Often associated with overactive bladder (OAB).
• Overflow Incontinence: Frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to an inability to empty the bladder completely.
• Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
• Functional Incontinence: Leakage due to physical or cognitive impairments preventing timely access to a bathroom.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

• Leakage During Activities: Involuntary urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
• Sudden Urges to Urinate: Frequent, intense urges to urinate with little warning.
• Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more often than usual, including waking up multiple times at night.
• Inability to Empty Bladder: Feeling that the bladder is never completely empty.
• Dribbling: Continuous or intermittent dribbling of urine.

Causes of Urinary Incontinence

• Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles: Often due to pregnancy, childbirth, or aging.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
• Prostate Issues: Enlarged prostate or prostate surgery in men.
• Medications: Certain medications can contribute to incontinence.
• Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, obesity, and urinary tract infections.
• Hormonal Changes: Menopause in women can affect bladder control.

How is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed?

• Medical History: Detailed review of symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.
• Physical Examination: Examination to identify physical causes.
• Bladder Diary: Tracking urination patterns and symptoms.
• Urine Tests: To detect infections or other abnormalities.
• Post-Void Residual Measurement: Measuring the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
• Urodynamic Testing: Assessing bladder function and urine flow.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or cystoscopy to visualize the urinary tract.

Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence

• Lifestyle Changes: Dietary adjustments, weight loss, and fluid management.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening pelvic muscles with exercises like Kegels.
• Medications: To relax bladder muscles or treat underlying conditions.
• Bladder Training: Techniques to increase the time between urination.
• Medical Devices: Pessaries or urethral inserts for women.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures:
  • Botox Injections: To relax the bladder muscles.
  • Nerve Stimulation: Sacral neuromodulation (InterStim) for bladder control.
• Surgery:
  • Bladder Sling: Support for the urethra to prevent leakage.
  • Urethral Bulking Agents: Injections to help close the bladder neck.
  • Prostate Surgery: For men with prostate-related incontinence.

Why Choose Urology Specialists of Georgia for Urinary Incontinence Treatment?

• Experienced Specialists: Our team has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating urinary incontinence with a patient-centered approach.
• Comprehensive Care: We offer a full spectrum of care, from initial diagnosis to advanced treatments and follow-up support.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: We tailor our treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient, ensuring optimal results.
• Advanced Technology: We utilize the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to provide the best possible care.

I felt completely at ease with the staff at Urology Specialists of Georgia. Their professionalism and compassion made all the difference in my recovery.

– Mary S.

The care I received at Urology Specialists of Georgia was exceptional. The team was knowledgeable and supportive, helping me navigate my treatment options and improving my quality of life.

– John D.