Is Leaking Urine a Normal Part of Aging?

If you're experiencing urine leaks but have been writing them off as an age thing, it’s time to schedule a diagnostic evaluation with our team at Urology Specialist Group.

Urine leaks, also known as urinary incontinence, isn’t a normal part of aging. While age can contribute to common causes of urine leaks, the condition can actually be a warning sign that something else is wrong.

Common causes of urine leaks

Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects both men and women. While it’s true that older people are prone to the condition, there are many factors at play that increase your risk for unexpected urine leaks.

Some of the common causes of urine leaks include:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Menopause
• Constipation
• Urinary stones
• Weak pelvic floor muscles

More serious issues that can contribute to urine leaks include neurological disorders or an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer in men.

Diagnosing the cause of urine leaks

Unexpected urine leaks can be both frustrating and embarrassing. For some, the leaks may cause social isolation and mental health issues, like anxiety and depression.

To reduce your risk for any of these complications, our urology specialists offer in-office diagnostic testing services to better understand the root cause of your incontinence issues. We provide comprehensive physical exams and spend time reviewing your symptoms and your medical history.

Based on this information, we can determine the type of incontinence you have, so we can figure out how to treat it. Types of urinary incontinence include:

Stress incontinence

Stress incontinence causes urine leaks when pressure is put on your bladder. For instance, you may leak urine whenever you laugh, sneeze, cough, or lift heavy objects.

Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence describes urine leaks that occur when you have a sudden urge to urinate but can’t make it to the bathroom in time.

Overflow incontinence

Overflow incontinence is a condition where you experience urine leaks because your bladder doesn’t empty completely when you use the bathroom.

Functional incontinence

Functional incontinence describes urine leaks that occur because of underlying physical or mental health issues that make it difficult for you to urinate properly.

Understanding your treatment options for urinary incontinence

There are several treatment options available at Urology Specialist Group to reduce the frequency and severity of urine leaks. We may prescribe medications and recommend pelvic floor strengthening exercises to prevent urine leaks from occurring.

Lifestyle changes can also help reduce the frequency of urinary incontinence symptoms. We may recommend:

• Dietary improvements
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Limiting fluids in the evening
• Using the bathroom on a schedule
• Daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight 

If these strategies don’t work well for you, you may need surgery to repair weak pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder. Pelvic floor reconstruction surgery is typically a last-resort option for relieving urinary incontinence and we can discuss your options for surgical treatment during your evaluation.

To learn more about the solutions available for urinary incontinence, schedule a consultation online or by calling the Urology Specialist Group office nearest to you today.