Urinary Incontinence
Simple, daily activities that you would normally enjoy can be spoiled as a result of urinary incontinence. This condition is uncomfortable, and it can feel embarrassing. The good news is that there are treatments available to manage or correct your urinary incontinence. Turn to the experienced urogynecologists at Rock Hill GYN & OB. At our locations in both Rock Hill and Fort Mill, SC, we encourage you to be open about your symptoms as we strive to understand your concerns and develop an effective treatment plan that enables you to live your life to the fullest.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the inability to control your bladder. This condition is not a disease on its own, but instead it is a symptom of another problem These problems can range from certain lifestyle habits, a physical disorder, or an underlying medical condition. There are different types of urinary incontinence that include:
- Stress Incontinence – Pressure on the bladder that causes urine to leak out. This could be from actions such as lifting something heavy, laughing, or sneezing.
- Urge Incontinence – The sudden feeling of the need to urinate followed by an uncontrolled loss of urine.
- Overflow Incontinence – The bladder does not empty completely, leading to a recurrent or persistent dribbling of urine.
- Functional Incontinence – Physical or mental impairment that prevents you from making it to the toilet on time.
- Mixed Incontinence – More than one kind of incontinence is experienced.
Causes for Urinary Incontinence
You may experience temporary instances of urinary incontinence. For example, drinking large quantities of caffeine can lead to a constant need to urinate. A urinary tract infection can also cause temporary incontinence. There are other causes of urinary incontinence in which it is persistent. These include:
- Pregnancy – Pressure on the bladder due to the growing baby along with hormonal changes can cause incontinence.
- Childbirth – After delivering a baby vaginally, the muscles may become weakened causing prolapse to occur.
- Aging – The muscles in the bladder deteriorate with age and can affect the bladder’s ability to store urine. Involuntary bladder contractions occur more frequently with age as well.
- Menopause – Less estrogen is produced during and after menopause. This hormone keeps the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy, so a decrease of estrogen can lead to incontinence.
- Hysterectomy – It is possible that surgery to remove the uterus may impact the pelvic floor muscles.
- Obstruction – The presence of a tumor or urinary stones are possible sources of obstruction that interfere with the regular flow of urine.
Schedule Your Appointment
Although there are several different ways urinary incontinence can affect your life, there is hope for a more comfortable future. Allow the urogynecologists at Rock Hill GYN & OB to determine the cause of your urinary incontinence then develop a plan of treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
