Incontinence
Stress Incontinence
Poor bladder neck support, also called a fallen bladder, or a weak bladder neck causes this condition. Women who have stress incontinence may leak urine when exercising, coughing, laughing or simply walking.
Urge Incontinence
When a bladder is overactive, it may contract unexpectedly leading to urge incontinence, frequent urination during the day and night. It is also associated with strong urges to urinate and difficulty getting to the bathroom fast enough.
Mixed Incontinence
Symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence may occur simultaneously.
Overflow lncontinence
This condition causes a weak urine stream and feelings of incomplete bladder emptying, usually occurs in women with diabetes, neurologic disease or severe pelvic organ prolapse.
Diagnosis
We offer a variety of tests to evaluate the bladder. Test options include urodynamics, cystoscopy and bladder ultrasounds.
- Urodynamics evaluates bladder function by measuring the pressure and volume inside the bladder with a small catheter.
- Cystoscopy detects any bladder abnormalities using a lighted telescope to evaluate the bladder interior.
- Bladder ultrasounds determine the volume of urine remaining in the bladder after urinating.
Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
Treatment options depend on a patient’s diagnosis and needs. Dr. Portera will thoroughly discuss all treatment options, including risks, benefits and success rates to determine the best therapy for you.
Behavioral
Many women can gain bladder control with simple instructions on fluid intake and scheduled emptying of their bladder.
Muscle Tone
Physical therapy has become one of the most popular therapies for urinary incontinence. Effective for both stress and urge incontinence, biofeedback therapy provides immediate feedback to assist in isolating proper pelvic muscles for exercise.
Kegel Exercises
These help strengthen the pelvic muscles and. bladder neck.
Vaginal Cones
Plastic cones of increasing weight, are held in the vagina twice a day to help strengthen pelvic muscles.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation provides immediate feedback to assist in isolating proper pelvic muscles for exercise.
Botox Injection
Patients with severe overactive bladder unresponsive to medications or physical therapy are candidates for Botox which is injected into the base of the bladder.
Bulking Agents
Some patients are candidates for coaptite injections. These agents are injected around the urethra to prevent urine leakage and can be done in the office setting.
Medication
Medicines are used to treat infections, replace hormones and relax overactive bladder contractions, which can cause urge incontinence and overactive bladder.
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