Urinary Incontinence Treatment in La Mesa, CA

Urinary incontinence, also known as UI, is a common condition that involves the involuntary loss of urine. Although it is not usually a serious condition, UI can be embarrassing and affect a person's daily life. Urinary incontinence is most common in women, especially during and after pregnancy, but can affect people of all ages.

Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is often caused by a urinary tract infection or weak muscles in the urinary tract. Some medications may cause weak bladder muscles, therefore causing urinary incontinence. Weak muscles may prevent the closing off of the urethra, and doing certain activities may cause urine to leak. Normal urination involves emptying the bladder when the desire to urinate occurs, at which point the bladder contracts and flows out of the body. Once the bladder is empty, the muscles contract and urination stops. People with UI experience a disruption in this process that causes a loss of bladder control and results in troubling symptoms.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

In addition to leaking urine, people with UI may also experience:

• Strong desire to urinate
• Pelvic pressure
• Frequent urination
• Nocturia, or the need to urinate at night while sleeping
• Painful urination
• Bed wetting

UI is a common condition with many treatment options that can relieve symptoms and allow patients to perform their regular activities without the embarrassment and worry of urinary leakage.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence may be classified into three different types based on causes and symptoms.

Diagnosis of Urinary Incontinence

Patients exhibiting the symptoms of UI should see their doctor to determine the cause, type and severity of their condition. Doctors can diagnose urinary incontinence through a series of tests and an evaluation of the patient's medical history. Patients may also be asked to keep a bladder or urination diary to record the frequency and circumstances of their urination troubles. Testing may begin with a pelvic exam to detect any physical abnormalities, and may also include:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Cystogram
• A stress test to determine if any urine leaks during physically stressful situations

After a diagnosis of UI, the physician may perform further testing to determine the cause of the condition, in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.

Treatment of Urinary Incontinence

There are many different treatment options available for urinary incontinence, depending on the severity of the condition. Conservative treatments are often effective, and may include:

• Bladder training
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
• Medication to control pelvic muscle spasms.
• Kegel exercises

For more severe cases, a medical device such as a urethral insert or pessary may be inserted through the vagina to prevent urine leakage. Surgery may also be recommended to provide support to the bladder neck to relieve symptoms caused by UI. However, there are certain risks associated with surgery, including infection, bladder spasms or recurring incontinence. A doctor will determine which treatment is best for each patient after a thorough evaluation of their condition.

Prevention of Urinary Incontinence

Not all cases of urinary incontinence can be prevented, however the following recommendations may help in controlling urinary incontinence in some people:

• Drinking less fluids
• Emptying the bladder regularly
• Avoiding caffeinated beverages

Kegel exercises may also be effective at strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor which can help to prevent incontinence.