Stress Urinary Incontinence Specialists

What is Stress Urinary incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence is a condition in which your bladder leaks urine during inconvenient times, and you can’t control it. For example, you might experience urine leaks when you:

• Jump
• Lift something heavy
• Change positions
• Laugh
• Cough
• Sneeze

Leaks may occur as a result of pressure on your bladder or weakened pelvic floor or sphincter muscles around your bladder’s opening. 

What are the Risk Factors for Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Women are more likely than men to experience stress urinary incontinence. Other risk factors for stress incontinence include:

• Prostate surgery in men
• Vaginal delivery in women
• Being overweight
• Certain injuries
• Some medications
• Pelvic prolapse in women
• Aging
• Smoking
• Illnesses that cause chronic coughing

The cause of stress urinary incontinence isn’t always clear, but nonetheless, treatment helps reduce or eliminate symptoms to restore your quality of life.

How is Stress Incontinence Diagnosed?

To diagnose stress urinary incontinence and determine the best treatment for you, your specialist at Associated Urologists of North Carolina reviews your symptoms and medical history. They also complete a physical examination. 

Your urologist might perform a neurological exam, take a urine sample, complete urine stress tests, and utilize bladder function tests to measure post-void urine or bladder pressure. They may also recommend imaging tests or examine your bladder using cystoscopy by inserting a scope inside the bladder.

How Do You Treat Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Your personalized stress urinary incontinence treatment plan depends on the cause and severity of your condition. Your urologist might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes that can relieve stress incontinence include pelvic floor muscle exercises, biofeedback, timed fluid consumption, avoiding caffeine, not smoking, losing excess weight, and bladder training.
• Laser Treatments: Laser treatment for urinary incontinence is a noninvasive procedure that uses laser energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten tissues without surgery or downtime.
• Vaginal Devices: In women, vaginal devices that help control stress incontinence include a ring-like device called a pessary that is inserted into the vagina to help prevent urine leakage.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Numerous minimally invasive procedures and surgeries can help relieve urinary incontinence with short recovery times. Examples include injections, reconstruction, or surgically implanting specialized devices that control urine leaks.

Don’t live with stress urinary incontinence, as it’s often inconvenient and embarrassing. Schedule an appointment with Associated Urologists of North Carolina today.