Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Bethesda, MD
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a common condition that involves the involuntary leakage of urine. Both men and women can suffer from urinary incontinence. Understanding the different types of urinary incontinence is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
At Capital Women’s Care, our all-female care team is trained in treating and diagnosing urinary incontinence in women. Schedule a consultation at our gynecology clinic in Bethesda, MD today by calling (301) 897-9817.
What are the Types of Urinary Incontinence?
Urge Incontinence (OAB)
Also known as overactive bladder, urge incontinence is a common condition in both men and women. OAB happens when there is a sudden and intense urge to urinate before you can get to a bathroom. Conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), neurological disorders, or diabetes can contribute to OAB. Treatment options include behavioral therapies, medication, and nerve stimulation procedures like InterStim Therapy.
Stress Incontinence (SUI)
Stress incontinence is a common type of urinary incontinence. Primarily affecting women, SUI occurs when there is increased pressure on the bladder, causing urine to leak. Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth, aging, or surgery, is a common cause. Activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, lifting heavy objects, and exercising can trigger incontinence. Treatment options may include pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), lifestyle modifications, and surgery.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty due to something blocking urine from flowing out of the bladder. People with this type of incontinence may experience dribbling and frequent urination because the bladder is always partially full. Common causes include an enlarged prostate in men, uterine prolapse in women, nerve damage, aging, or medications that affect bladder function. Treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause, catheterization, or medication.
Functional Incontinence
Functional incontinence occurs when a physical or cognitive issue prevents you from getting to the bathroom in time. Functional incontinence is not directly related to a specific urinary system problem but rather to difficulties with mobility, dexterity, or mental function. Common causes include arthritis, dementia, neurological disorders, medication use, or physical disabilities. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause, controlling leads, or making it easier to reach a bathroom.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence. Diagnosis and treatment may involve addressing each component of mixed incontinence individually, such as pelvic floor exercises for stress incontinence and medication for urge incontinence.
Transient Incontinence
This form of incontinence is temporary and caused by a short-lived condition or treatment for a condition. It can be triggered by factors like medication side effects, urinary tract infections, constipation, or excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine.
Total Incontinence
Total incontinence is the complete loss of urinary control due to nerve and or muscle issues that affect the bladder. Spinal cord injury, neurogenic bladder, and multiple sclerosis can cause total incontinence.
Schedule a Incontinence Consultation in Bethesda, MD
Don’t suffer from urinary incontinence any longer, schedule a consultation with our board-certified OBGYNs today. Call our gynecology clinic in Bethesda, MD today at (301) 897-9817.
