Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder control that can range in severity.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder control that can range in severity. While some people experience minor leaking urine when they cough or sneeze, others can have issues that are very strong and sudden. This loss in bladder control is more common with older women and men, but it can also affect people of all ages. At Taaly Silberstein OB/GYN & Aesthetics, Dr. Silberstein focuses on helping women with urinary incontinence issues.
What are the different types?
There are multiple types of urinary incontinence, including:
- Functional incontinence – when a mental or physical impairment prevents you from reaching the toilet in time (severe arthritis, for example).
- Overflow incontinence – when you experience constant or frequent dribbling because the bladder does not completely empty.
- Stress incontinence – when urine leaks due to pressure on your bladder by sneezing, coughing, laughing, lifting something up or exercising.
- Urge incontinence – when you have an intense and sudden urge to urinate, but then experience an involuntary loss of urine.
- Mixed incontinence – any combination of the types listed above.
What are the causes of urinary incontinence?
Since incontinence is a symptom and not a disease, it can be caused by physical problems, underlying medical conditions or everyday habits. Certain medications, alcohol, caffeine, soda and sparkling water, chocolate, spicy foods, large doses of vitamin C and artificial sweeteners can also increase your body’s volume of urine.
The underlying medical conditions that can lead to incontinence are UTIs (urinary tract infections) and constipation. If you’ve had a hysterectomy, damage to the supporting pelvic floor muscles might be the culprit. Women who are pregnant, have given birth vaginally or are experiencing menopause may also experience this symptom.
Treatments in the greater Los Angeles area
If urinary incontinence is impacting your day-to-day life, we encourage you to seek professional medical help. Dr. Taaly Silberstein provides treatment to women in the LA area from our office in Tarzana. A combination of treatments may be needed, and will depend on the type of urinary incontinence that you have. Request your appointment by calling (818) 996-3200 to get the proper care.
