Incontinence Specialist

What is incontinence?

When a patient suffers from incontinence, she isn’t able to control the flow of urine completely. She may leak urine only occasionally, or she may be unable to make it to the bathroom in time on a regular basis.

What causes incontinence?

Incontinence can have many different causes. One of the most common causes of incontinence is weakness in the pelvic floor. These muscles are responsible for controlling the flow of urine from the bladder. Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles is common after pregnancy, especially with vaginal childbirth. Menopause, age, and obesity may also contribute to weakness in this area.

Aside from a weak pelvic floor, some of the other common causes of incontinence include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Constipation
• Neurological disorders
• Obstructions in the urinary tract

What are the symptoms of incontinence?

Some of the symptoms of incontinence may include:

• Leakage when pressure is exerted on the bladder, such as when coughing or laughing
• Sudden, intense urges to urinate
• Failure to control urination
• Feelings that the bladder doesn’t empty entirely

How does Arizona Women’s Health Partners diagnose incontinence?

Dr. Thomas and Dr. Eericca can usually diagnose a patient with incontinence based on the patient’s description of her symptoms. To determine the cause of incontinence, the doctor may ask questions about the patient’s medical history, perform a physical exam, and order tests to investigate the issue further. Tests used to determine the cause of incontinence may include urinalysis, cystoscopy, post-void residual measurements, pelvic ultrasound, and urodynamic testing.

What treatments are available?

The treatments Dr. Thomas or Dr. Eericca will recommend for urinary incontinence depend on the factors contributing to the patient’s condition. For example, if the doctor determines that the patient has incontinence because of weak muscles in the pelvic floor, they may recommend Kegel exercises. Scheduled trips to the toilet, double voiding, and bladder training may also be beneficial to patients with this condition. In other cases, medical devices, medication, or surgery may be recommended.

In many cases, more than one treatment will be available to the patient. The doctor will explain each available treatment option in detail to help patients make the right decision.