Incontinence Specialist

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder control. You can experience urine leaks during strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or running. You may also have leaks when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. These triggers are a type of stress incontinence.

In some cases, urinary incontinence can also make it difficult for you to reach the bathroom in time or cause you to feel a persistent need to urinate even when your bladder isn’t full. These symptoms relate to urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder.

What causes incontinence?

The root cause of urinary incontinence relates to your nerves and muscles that help you hold urine in the bladder. The muscles of your bladder hold urine in, and when these muscles become weak or are stretched out, such as during pregnancy, you may find it difficult to prevent urine leaks.

In addition to pregnancy, other conditions that contribute to urine leaks include:

• Age
• Obesity
• Childbirth
• Menopause
• Nerve damage
• Certain medications
• Chronic constipation

You can also develop urinary incontinence if you drink large amounts of caffeinated drinks, such as soda and coffee. These drinks cause your bladder to fill quickly and trigger unexpected leaks.

How is incontinence diagnosed?

The team at Miami Women's Health Associates first reviews your symptoms and medical history. They perform a physical exam to rule out underlying medical conditions that can cause urine leakage, and a urine test may be necessary to check for infections.

You may undergo a bladder stress test, where you cough or perform other activities that can cause urine leaks. Your physician may also request an ultrasound to take a closer look at your bladder and other organs to check for abnormalities. 

What treatment options are available for incontinence?

Once your physician at Miami Women's Health Associates determines the cause of your incontinence issues, they may initially recommend physical exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that help hold urine in. Lifestyle changes, such as cutting out caffeine and losing weight, can also be effective in resolving urine leaks.

If these methods aren’t successful in restoring your quality of life, your doctor may recommend medications to relax your bladder muscles and stop spasms from causing urine leaks. Botox® can also be an effective treatment option for incontinence. 

For more serious incontinence issues like bladder prolapse, a condition where the bladder falls into the vaginal canal, your doctor may recommend surgery. Miami Women's Health Associates offers both in-office and outpatient procedures for incontinence.

Schedule an appointment online or by phone to learn more about available treatments for incontinence.