If you lack bladder control, you’re not alone. In fact, urinary incontinence (UI) affects roughly 24% of women. While this condition can hurt your overall quality of life, it can be easily managed with the right treatment modality. Below, learn more about what may be causing your UI and the best ways to treat it.

Common Questions About Urinary Incontinence

What’s stress incontinence?

Stress incontinence is characterized by leakage any time there’s excess pressure on the bladder. If you need to run to the restroom after coughing, sneezing, exercising, or laughing, you may have stress incontinence. This is the most common form of UI, and it’s typically caused by physical changes to the body that develop during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or menopause.

What’s urge incontinence?

Also called “overactive bladder,” urge incontinence presents a constant, sudden, or powerful urge to urinate. Regardless of how full your bladder may be, you’ll want to run to the restroom whenever the need strikes. This need arises after the muscles in the bladder contract, which signals the brain that you’ve absolutely got to go, even if your bladder isn't entirely full.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

There are many ways for physicians to diagnose the type and extent of UI a patient has. In addition to reviewing your bathroom habits, your doctor may want to conduct a bladder stress test, ultrasound, urinalysis, or cystoscopy. The results of such tests will help you and your medical team determine how best to proceed.

How is it treated?

Like most medical conditions, the best way to treat UI depends on its underlying cause. Effective remedies include behavioral training, physical therapy, and medication that improves bladder control. Some surgical procedures can also help, such as urethral slings and colposuspension.

If you have urinary incontinence, turn to the compassionate providers at North Little Rock Women’s Clinic in Arkansas to get to the root of the issue. This practice offers a broad range of health services for women at all stages of life. With a commitment to providing exceptional care, their office is equipped with the most advanced equipment available in obstetrics and gynecology. Call (501) 835-9444 today to make an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.