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Urinary incontinence (UI) is the uncontrollable leakage of urine. This can be caused by nerve or muscle dysfunction of the bladder, loss of support of the urethra and/or bladder, or weakened urinary sphincter.

Approximately 30 percent of women Urinary incontinence is not a normal part of in the U.S. suffer from urinary aging. If you suspect you have this condition, it’s incontinence, which can affect women important to discuss it with your doctor. While of all ages. Some women may be at increased risk for UI due to: you may feel embarrassed or reluctant, there are many treatment options available to improve –– and childbirth (your risk your symptoms and quality of life—all of which increases with the number of children you have) are available through the Women’s Pelvic Health –– Menopause or aging Program at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health. –– Being overweight or obese –– –– –– Hysterectomy To make an appointment, call us at –– Smoking (855) 850-KIWH (5494).

Turn over to learn about diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence: Diagnosis and treatment

How do we diagnose urinary incontinence (UI)? The good news? Treatments are available. In order to determine the type of UI that you have, your Your treatment plan will be customized to your unique needs doctor will first ask for your medical history. You should be based on a conversation with your doctor. Treatment may prepared to share details of any and deliveries include any of the following: you’ve had, as well as if you’re experiencing menopause, since these can all be major causes of UI. Your doctor will also –– Modifying your diet perform a physical examination. They may also request a –– Doing Kegels, now known as pelvic floor muscle exercises, urinalysis to test for signs of or blood in your urine, to strengthen your muscles that control or ask you to urinate in a container to measure the amount of –– Retraining your bladder (gradually holding in urine for urine you produce. increased periods of time) –– Double voiding (learning to completely empty your bladder) There are several different types of UI, including: –– Taking medications, such as agents to calm an –– Stress urinary incontinence: Occurs most commonly when there is a weakness in urethral support or in the urinary –– Eliminating medications that may cause incontinence sphincter. As a result, certain activities—such as sneezing, –– Electrical stimulation to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles coughing, laughing, bending or exercising—places pressure –– Medical devices, such as pessaries and vaginal inserts, can on the bladder and causes urine to leak involuntarily. be worn to prevent urine leakage –– Urge urinary incontinence (also known as overactive –– Interventional therapies (such as Botox injections into the bladder): The sudden urge to urinate, often with little or bladder or nerve stimulators) no warning. Your bladder muscles may be too active and –– Surgical procedures can help support the tissues under squeeze to pass urine before you can get to the bathroom. the urethra –– Mixed incontinence: A combination of having stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. –– : When you are unable to empty your bladder and the urine overflows or leaks out. Speak with your doctor to develop the most Symptoms include frequent urination of small amounts appropriate treatment plan for your lifestyle and or a constant drip. overall health goals.

To learn more or make an appointment, call us at (855) 850-KIWH (5494).

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