Urinary Incontinence Specialist

What causes urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be caused by a number of medical conditions and lifestyle factors. To diagnose the cause of your urinary incontinence, it’s best to discuss your condition with an experienced urologist like those at Urology Specialist Group.

Some of the most common causes of incontinence include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Constipation
• Menopause
• Weakened pelvic floor muscles
• Enlarged prostate
• Prostate cancer
• Neurological disorders

Urinary incontinence can also be caused by an obstructed urinary tract, and a tumor or urinary stone can result in long-term incontinence.

What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?

Although urinary incontinence is quite common, the condition itself is actually the symptom of an underlying issue. Urinary incontinence can be broken down into four main types: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence.

Stress incontinence

Stress incontinence is caused by pressure exerted on the bladder. This pressure can be caused by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or heavy lifting.

Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence refers to a sudden urge to urinate that is so strong that it results in loss of bladder control.

Overflow incontinence

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, causing leakage.

Functional incontinence

Functional incontinence isn’t actually an issue with the bladder, but refers to the inability to properly urinate because of a physical or mental complication.

Although urinary incontinence itself is a symptom, there are a number of factors like gender, age, obesity, and heredity that can increase your chances of experiencing incontinence.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

In order to give you an accurate diagnosis, your urologist evaluates the specifics of your condition. This can include a urinalysis to check for infections and abnormalities in the urine, as well as a bladder diary where you keep a record of your incontinence episodes for a number of days. Your physician might also perform a post-void residual (PVR) measurement that measures the urine left in your bladder after urinating.

How can I prevent urinary incontinence?

Although urinary incontinence isn’t always avoidable, there are precautions you can take to limit your risk, including:

• Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Maintaining a healthy pelvic floor (with proper exercise)
• Avoiding irritants like coffee and alcohol

Untreated incontinence can cause serious skin rashes, sores, and infections of the skin and urinary tract.

To discuss your condition with an experienced urologist if you’re in South Florida, call Urology Specialist Group or schedule an appointment online today.