What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (UI) is leaking urine or having intense urges to urinate that you can’t control.
The three main types of urinary incontinence are:
Overactive bladder (OAB)
Also called “urgency incontinence,” OAB is marked by an intense need to urinate — especially at night — even if your bladder isn’t full. If you have OAB, you may find yourself avoiding social situations that would keep you away from an easily accessible bathroom.
Men often develop OAB as a result of an enlarged prostate, while women develop it as their hormones change during menopause.
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
If you have SUI, your bladder isn’t strong enough to hold urine when it’s under stress. You may leak urine when you:
Though SUI is the most common type of urinary incontinence, women develop it more often than men do. Many people have a mix of OAB and SUI.
Learn More about Male Stress Urinary Here
Overflow incontinence
You have overflow incontinence (OI) if your full bladder leaks or dribbles urine. You may develop OI if:
- Your body makes too much urine for your bladder to hold
- Your bladder can’t contract properly
- You can’t empty your bladder fully
Overflow incontinence is more common in men than in women. Men who’ve had prostate surgery or have other prostate problems may develop OI.
Why do I have urinary incontinence?
Most people develop UI as they age, and their organs and supportive tissues begin to weaken, stretch, and degrade. Women who’ve given birth often have UI because their pelvic organs are under stress during pregnancy and may be damaged during childbirth. The hormonal changes of menopause and andropause (male “menopause”) also weaken your genitourinary tissues, which can cause incontinence.
How do doctors diagnose urinary incontinence?
The team at Pikes Peak Urology has a dedicated suite for evaluating the various types of urinary incontinence. They may recommend:
- Cystoscopy
- Urodynamic testing
- Pelvic imaging
Your doctor may also ask you to keep a bladder diary, where you notate how much you drink, how often you urinate, and any symptoms you experience.
How do doctors treat urinary incontinence?
Your urologist recommends treatments based on the type of UI you have. Some remedies for UI include:
- Mesh or autologous vaginal slings for women
- MonaLisa Touch® treatment for women
- Injectable bulking agents
- Botox® injections
- InterStim® nerve stimulation
- Surgery
To find out what’s causing your UI and to get the relief you need, contact Pikes Peak Urology by phone or make an appointment through the online form.
