Urinary Incontinence Specialist

Urinary incontinence is a widespread problem, so much so that many women view it as normal or expected in its milder forms. Please do not hesitate to ask any of the physicians of The Women’s Specialists of Fayette for their opinion. A good history and physical exam are an important part of diagnosing the reason for incontinence; however, we also offer in-office urodynamic testing to give the most detailed information which is sometimes critical in determining the best treatment options.

Treatment options may include bladder training or physical therapy, or an outpatient sling procedure or a more extensive surgery to treat interconnected problems with anatomic defects. Our physicians are all experts at the transvaginal tension-free vaginal slings (TVT/TOT) which have become the mainstay of incontinence surgery.

What is urinary incontinence?

A widespread problem, urinary incontinence is when you lose bladder control or leak urine. Urinary incontinence is so common that many women view mild forms of it as normal or to be expected.

In women, the two most common types of urinary incontinence are stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

• Stress incontinence: With stress incontinence, you may leak urine when sneezing, coughing, and with sudden movements.
• Urge incontinence: With urge incontinence, leaks usually occur when you feel the strong urge to urinate and can’t reach the bathroom quickly enough.

Many women have a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is caused by problems with the nerves and muscles that help your bladder to hold or pass urine. Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can affect these nerves and muscles, making urinary incontinence more likely.

Other causes include:

• Being overweight
• Constipation
• Nerve damage
• Certain surgeries, such as a hysterectomy

Short-term incontinence may be brought on by:

• Medications like water pills
• Caffeinated drinks
• Urinary tract infections

If you’re experiencing incontinence, it’s a good idea to see a doctor at The Women’s Specialists of Fayette for a diagnosis.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

Your practitioner at The Women's Specialists of Fayette begins by taking a complete medical history and performing a physical exam. They may also recommend urodynamic testing, which measures:

• Nerve function
• Muscle function
• Pressure around and in your bladder
• The flow of urine

This test, which is offered in the offices of The Women's Specialists of Fayette, helps your doctor come up with the best treatment options for your precise condition.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

The Women's Specialists of Fayette offers a broad range of treatment options for urinary incontinence. Your doctor may recommend:

• Bladder training
• Physical therapy
• An outpatient sling procedure
• Surgery to treat a structural issue

The practitioners at The Women's Specialists of Fayette are experts in transvaginal tension-free vaginal slings (TVT/TOT), which are regarded as the mainstay of incontinence surgery. During the procedure, your doctor uses strips of synthetic mesh or synthetic mesh tape to support the neck of your bladder. This helps it remain closed, so you don’t leak urine.

If you’ve been troubled by sudden leaks and other signs of urinary incontinence, The Women's Specialists of Fayette offers expert diagnosis and care. Call today or book a consultation online.