• How Urinary Incontinence Affects Women

    Urologists treat more women for urinary incontinence than men. Incontinence is more likely to affect women because of anatomical differences, and because the stresses of pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the muscles and tissues surrounding the bladder. Although incontinence is common for women, you don’t have to live with it. Talk to a doctor about your symptoms. 

    As you’ll learn when you watch this video, the urologist may diagnose you with stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or overflow incontinence. Stress incontinence is particularly common. It happens during any activities that exert abdominal pressure, such as laughing or sneezing.  

    Effective treatments for incontinence are available at Urology Associates, P.C. Call (855) 901-1338 to request an appointment with one of our urologists in Tennessee.

  • Signs You Should Talk to Your Doctor About Urinary Incontinence

    Often, patients who experience incontinence are hesitant to speak up about their concerns. This is typically because incontinence can be an embarrassing problem to discuss, and because patients might secretly hope that the problem simply goes away by itself. But it’s important to understand that there’s nothing shameful about urinary incontinence; it’s actually quite common among both men and women. A urologist can determine the cause of your incontinence and explain your treatment options. You may even feel a sense of relief as soon as you visit a urologist simply from knowing that your problem will be managed properly.

    You Have Developed Acute Incontinence

    Acute urinary incontinence is when urine leakage begins suddenly. Acute incontinence can be caused by a bladder infection or urinary retention caused by fecal impaction. Acute incontinence could also be a side effect of medications. Acute incontinence is typically easily correctible.

    Your Symptoms Interfere with Your Daily Life

    If you experience persistent urinary incontinence, then there’s a good chance that you’ve had to restructure your daily routine to accommodate your urine leakage. You might find yourself bringing several changes of clothes with you wherever you go, perhaps along with special underwear or sanitary pads. You might even find yourself limiting or eliminating your social activities for fear of leaking while out of the house. When your symptoms interfere with your daily life, it’s time to talk to a doctor .

    You Avoid Sexual Intercourse

    Sexual intercourse is a healthy component of intimate relationships, yet people with urinary incontinence often avoid it. This can even cause relationship problems, particularly when the partner with urinary incontinence is hesitant to disclose the real reason for sexual avoidance. A chat with a urologist can help clear the air.

    Here at Urology Associates, P.C., it’s our mission to improve our patients’ quality of life. Our urology team throughout Tennessee treats all types of conditions pertaining to urologic and sexual health, including urinary incontinence. Take the first step toward reclaiming your quality of life by calling us at (855) 901-1338 and requesting an appointment.

  • Different Types of Urinary Incontinence

    Urinary incontinence can be a frustrating and embarrassing issue for many patients, but help is available. The first step in treating your incontinence is making an appointment with a urologist for diagnosis. There are several different kinds of incontinence, and the kind you have will dictate the best treatment approach. Here is a look at some of the most common forms of urinary incontinence.

    Stress Incontinence

    If you experience urine leakage when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise, you may have stress incontinence . This type of incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become weakened, allowing the pressure on your bladder to increase. Childbirth is the most common culprit behind pelvic floor muscle damage, but obesity and certain medications can also play a role. In addition, men may experience stress incontinence after prostate surgery.

    Urge Incontinence

    Urge incontinence is also referred to as overactive bladder, or OAB. It is typically caused by nerve damage to the bladder or other parts of the nervous system or by muscle damage and is most common in people with conditions that affect the nerves, like diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Bladder infections can also be a trigger. With urge incontinence, you will feel a frequent urge to use the bathroom and may not be able to control your bladder and make it in time.

    Mixed Urinary Incontinence

    Not everyone with urinary incontinence has just one form. Women in particular are likely to have both stress and urge incontinence. With mixed incontinence, your urologist may combine different treatments to resolve all of your symptoms.

    If you are living with incontinence, start a conversation with a urologist at Urology Associates, P.C. today. There are a wide variety of treatments that can help you overcome your incontinence and reclaim your confidence. To learn more incontinence treatment options or to schedule an appointment, please call (888) 329-7700.