Have you ever experienced suddenly urinating while coughing or sneezing? This is called stress incontinence, and it is an extremely common condition, especially in women. Millions of women have it, though many may not realize there are effective treatment options. Here is what you need to know about stress incontinence to get the treatment you deserve to avoid embarrassing leaks.
What is Stress Incontinence?
The bladder’s job is to hold urine until you decide to release it. When you suffer from stress incontinence, urine is released during activities that increase pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or jumping. The urine that leaks from the bladder during these activities can be just a few drops or, for some people, enough to soak through clothes.
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in dealing with stress incontinence. In fact, as many as 1 in 3 women experience urine leakage due to stress incontinence every day.
Causes of Stress Incontinence
The causes of stress incontinence can vary, but they often involve weakened pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, or even certain medications. Many women experience stress incontinence during pregnancy and after childbirth due to the pressure placed on their pelvic floor for nine months.
How is Stress Incontinence Diagnosed?
Although many people may find discussing urine leaks with their doctor embarrassing, doctors are happy to talk you through these matters and help you feel more comfortable. Often, stress incontinence can be diagnosed based on symptoms alone, like urinating every time you cough or sneeze. If more testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis of stress incontinence, your doctor may recommend a physical exam or a urinalysis. Urodynamics may be done to examine how flow rates and pressure levels during urination may be performed.
Treatment for Stress Incontinence
Treatments for stress incontinence range from simple behavioral modifications to surgical procedures. The choice depends on the severity of the symptoms, your overall health, and your personal preference. Here are some of the most commonly used treatments for stress incontinence:
Lifestyle Modifications: Behavioral changes or lifestyle modifications are the first step in stress incontinence treatment, as they are typically simple and easy to try. Possible behavior changes include:
- Reducing the amount of fluids you drink during the day
- Following a urinating schedule
- Avoiding jumping or running
- Avoiding drinking alcohol or consuming caffeine
- Losing weight if you are overweight
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training or Therapy: Many people who struggle with stress incontinence relieve their symptoms by strengthening their urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles with Kegal exercises. Kegel exercises can help suppress the urge to urinate when the bladder is under pressure and reduce urine leaks. Sometimes, seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist to learn how to do Kegel exercises correctly may be helpful. They can also teach you other exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor.
Pessary Device: A pessary device is a silicone ring-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina to push the urethra closed and help control urine leakage. The device is simple to insert and allows you to urinate normally throughout the day. Some women only wear the device while exercising or performing other activities, commonly resulting in urine leaks.
Urethral Bulking Agents: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a procedure where a needle is used to inject a bulking agent, such as collagen, into the urethra to help keep the urethra closed and eliminate urine leaks. The procedure is typically performed in a doctor’s office and is low-risk. It may need to be repeated after several months.
Surgery: If all else fails and you continue to deal with unexpected and bothersome urine leaks with coughing or sneezing, a last-step solution is often surgery. There are a few different surgical options available to help treat the symptoms of stress incontinence, but it is important to discuss what options are right for you with your doctor.
See a Urologist for Urine Leaks Today
If you are urinating while coughing or sneezing, there is no need to continue to suffer. Urologists are experienced in helping women improve their stress incontinence symptoms so they no longer have to worry about unexpected, embarrassing leaks.
Get started with treatment by calling 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!