Incontinence Specialist

What causes incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a condition characterized by involuntary loss of urine. It’s more common as you age and it can develop because of an underlying medical condition or a physical problem. The best way to know what’s causing your incontinence is to see one of the experienced urologists at TGH Advanced Urology Care.

Temporary urinary incontinence happens when certain foods, drinks, or medications stimulate your bladder, including:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners
• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruits
• Heart and blood pressure medications

Persistent urinary incontinence develops because of a more permanent condition or problem, including:

• Pregnancy or childbirth
• Menopause
• Hysterectomy
• Enlarged prostate or prostate cancer
• Tumors in the urinary tract
• Neurological disorders

What are the symptoms of incontinence?

Symptoms of incontinence vary, depending on the type:

Stress incontinence

With stress incontinence, urine leaks due to pressure on the bladder. This can happen from coughing, sneezing, exercising, or lifting something heavy.

Urge incontinence

Symptoms include a strong need to urinate, followed by a loss of urine. You may feel the need to urinate frequently during the night.

Overflow incontinence

When the bladder can’t empty completely, this causes frequent, consistent urine dribbling.

Some people also experience mixed incontinence, where they have symptoms of more than one type of incontinence.

What is the treatment for incontinence?

There are a number of options when it comes to treating urinary incontinence. Some common methods include:

Medication

Certain medications can help calm an overactive bladder or strengthen tissue in the urethra.

Medical devices

A number of different medical devices can help incontinence symptoms. Inserts or rings can help to hold up the bladder or prevent leakage, while nerve stimulator devices implanted under the skin can also help with bladder control.

Surgery

When other therapies don’t work, Dr. Caruso has the training and expertise to perform a variety of different surgical procedures to help support the urethra, change the position of the bladder, or control the flow of urine.

Your provider can help you determine the best treatment option for your symptoms, so you can regain normal bladder control and prevent future complications.

To learn more about urinary incontinence treatment, contact TGH Advanced Urology Care today. Call the office or click to book an appointment to get started.