Urinary Incontinence Specialist

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a common condition in which urine involuntarily leaks out of your body. It may happen occasionally or become a more severe problem in which you frequently experience sudden urination before you have a chance to make it to a restroom.

There are two main types of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence causes sudden leakage of urine when you cough, laugh, or sneeze, or during exercise. Urge incontinence makes you feel a sudden, desperate need for the bathroom and an inability to hold your urine.

Incontinence can be both inconvenient and embarrassing. You might feel you can't go out or lead a normal life because of the constant worry about urinary leakage.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence isn't an illness but is a symptom caused by underlying issues. Mild cases may occur, or more severe cases may worsen, because of foods or drinks that increase urine volume such as:

• Coffee
• Energy drinks
• Soft drinks
• Other caffeinated or carbonated beverages
• Hefty doses of vitamin B or C
• Drugs such as blood pressure medications and sedatives
• Foods containing corn syrup or artificial sweeteners

Urinary tract infections and constipation may also trigger urinary incontinence. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, a hysterectomy, an obstruction in the urinary tract, or diseases such as Parkinson's disease may cause persistent flare-ups.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of your urinary incontinence, Dr. Oloufa at West Orange Women’s Care performs a basic incontinence work-up. She conducts a physical examination, talks to you about your current symptoms, and refers to your medical history for information on your general health.

Urine tests (urinalysis) show urinary tract infections (UTIs) and indicators of health problems like blood in your urine. You might need to record the amount you're drinking and how much you urinate for a few days.

Another test is the post-void residual measurement. You empty your bladder into a measuring container. Dr. Oloufa then uses an ultrasound test to measure how much urine remains in your bladder.

If these tests are inconclusive, you might need to undergo a pelvic ultrasound or urodynamic testing.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

You might manage urinary incontinence through lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods or beverages, doing Kegel (pelvic floor) exercises to tighten your bladder muscles, and performing bladder training exercises.

There are also non-surgical solutions for urinary incontinence that require no downtime and are extremely effective. One of these is in-office laser treatment. Dr. Oloufa uses the state-of-the-art Alma™ FemiLift Pixel CO2 System to improve urethral integrity. Platelet-rich plasma therapy may also help urinary incontinence.

In some cases, medication or surgery is necessary to alleviate symptoms. During your initial consultation, Dr. Oloufa explains your options, and together you decide which plan best suits your needs and lifestyle.

For effective solutions to urinary incontinence, call West Orange Women's Care today or book an appointment online.