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Incontinence

Urinary incontinence in women refers to the unintentional loss of urine. It can range in severity from occasional leakage when coughing or sneezing (stress incontinence) to the sudden urge to urinate followed by leakage (urge incontinence) or a combination of both (mixed incontinence). Several factors can contribute to urinary incontinence in women, including:

1. Pregnancy and childbirth: The pelvic floor muscles can weaken during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to stress incontinence.

2. Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to changes in the urinary tract and pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of incontinence.

3. Aging: As women age, the bladder muscle may weaken, leading to increased frequency of urination and incontinence.

4. Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, leading to urinary incontinence.

5. Neurological disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke can affect nerve signals to the bladder, leading to incontinence.

6. Certain medications: Some medications can relax the bladder or cause urinary retention, leading to incontinence.

Our physicians at Iowa Women’s Health Center will work with you to determine the best treatment, including:

  • Pelvic floor exercises: Also known as Kegel exercises, these exercises can strengthen the muscles that control urination and improve bladder control.
  • Behavioral techniques: These may include bladder training, scheduled bathroom trips, and fluid management strategies to reduce urinary urgency and frequency.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as anticholinergics or mirabegron, may be prescribed to relax the bladder or reduce urinary urgency.
  • Pessaries: These devices are inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and reduce urinary leakage.
  • Surgery: In cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical options such as sling procedures or bladder neck suspension may be considered to provide additional support to the bladder.
CONTACT IOWA WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER

Incontinence

Urinary incontinence in women refers to the unintentional loss of urine. It can range in severity from occasional leakage when coughing or sneezing (stress incontinence) to the sudden urge to urinate followed by leakage (urge incontinence) or a combination of both (mixed incontinence). Several factors can contribute to urinary incontinence in women, including:

1. Pregnancy and childbirth: The pelvic floor muscles can weaken during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to stress incontinence.

2. Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to changes in the urinary tract and pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of incontinence.

3. Aging: As women age, the bladder muscle may weaken, leading to increased frequency of urination and incontinence.

4. Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, leading to urinary incontinence.

5. Neurological disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke can affect nerve signals to the bladder, leading to incontinence.

6. Certain medications: Some medications can relax the bladder or cause urinary retention, leading to incontinence.

Our physicians at Iowa Women’s Health Center will work with you to determine the best treatment, including:

  • Pelvic floor exercises: Also known as Kegel exercises, these exercises can strengthen the muscles that control urination and improve bladder control.
  • Behavioral techniques: These may include bladder training, scheduled bathroom trips, and fluid management strategies to reduce urinary urgency and frequency.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as anticholinergics or mirabegron, may be prescribed to relax the bladder or reduce urinary urgency.
  • Pessaries: These devices are inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and reduce urinary leakage.
  • Surgery: In cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical options such as sling procedures or bladder neck suspension may be considered to provide additional support to the bladder.
CONTACT IOWA WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER