What Is Urinary Incontinence?
“Urinary incontinence” simply means a loss of bladder control. This can be an occasional problem, such as leaking urine when you cough or sneeze, or it may be an urge to urinate that is so strong that you barely make it to the bathroom in time. Other symptoms of urinary incontinence include pelvic pressure, painful urination, and the need to urinate in the middle of the night (which may even lead to bed wetting).
There are many possible reasons for urinary incontinence: weak muscles in the urinary tract or around the bladder, which can be a side effect of certain medications; a urinary tract infection; an enlarged prostate; or an obstruction in the urinary tract are just a few possibilities.
What Can Be Done About Urinary Incontinence?
If urinary incontinence starts to affect your quality of life and interfere with your daily activities, it is time to get help! Your doctor will want to determine the cause of your incontinence, which can be done using a blood test, a urinalysis, a cystogram (a type of x-ray), and/or a stress test, to determine if urine leakage occurs during a physically stressful situation.
Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on what is causing it and how severe it is. Your doctor may recommend avoiding alcohol and caffeine, bladder training, or medication to help control muscles. For severe cases, a urethral insert (a “plug” to keep urine from leaking out), a pessary (a device that supports the pelvic area), or surgery might be recommended. Axonics Therapy is another option – this involves a small implant that helps to stimulate the nerves that control the bladder, which helps to restore normal function.
You don’t have to suffer with urinary incontinence – contact the Greater Hartford Urology Group for help. There are offices in Hartford, Enfield, and Glastonbury – call 860-522-2251 for an appointment today!
