Our Houston urologists expertly diagnose and treat female urinary incontinence

 Female urinary incontinence is a common problem that increases as women age. Twice as many women as men have incontinence and problems with loss of bladder control and urine leakage. Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause put women at risk for problems with incontinence. Thankfully, our physicians have the experience to help women with urinary incontinence. 

 Several issues cause urinary incontinence

 Urinary incontinence is the result of many different conditions and issues. Here are a few problems that can cause symptoms. 

• Childbirth and labor 
• A weaker pelvic floor due to age 
• Lower levels of estrogen after menopause 
• Being overweight or obese 
• Damaged nerves in the urethra, pelvic floor muscles or bladder 
• Constipation and straining 
• Certain surgeries like a hysterectomy 
• Side effects of some medications 
• Urinary tract or bladder infections 
• Drinking caffeine 

 Loss of bladder control and other symptoms of female urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence causes several different symptoms, depending on the type of incontinence a woman has. 

• Leaking urine when coughing, laughing or sneezing 
• Feeling a strong urge to urinate 
• Urinating frequently 
• Waking up at night feeling the need to urinate 
• Leaking urine or losing bladder control while sleeping 
• Pain during urination 

The two most common types of urinary incontinence

The two most common types of female urinary incontinence are stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder. 

Stress urinary incontinence occurs when something happens that puts pressure on a woman’s bladder and causes urine leakage. Leaking happens when women laugh, cough, exercise or sneeze. The leakage happens because the pelvic floor muscles and/or the sphincter muscle located at the bottom of the bladder are weak. 

Urge incontinence means a woman feels an urgent need to urinate, making it difficult and sometimes impossible to wait. This loss of bladder control can happen even when the bladder isn’t full. Bladder cancer, inflammation, bladder stones, a bladder blockage, infections or neurological problems can cause urge incontinence.  

Diagnosing and treating the problem

Women should always call our Houston urologists if they are leaking urine or don’t have control over their bladder. Once they come in for an appointment, the diagnostic process can begin. 

Our physicians and staff take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination. Based on the findings, they may order tests, including a urine test, an ultrasound, urodynamics, a bladder stress test or a cystoscopy. 

Our Houston urologists offer state-of-the-art treatment for female urinary incontinence. The options range from lifestyle changes and medications to nerve stimulation and surgeries. Women should never suffer in silence. Contact us today for an appointment.