Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Leaking urine is a common problem for women, and it can happen to anyone but is more common with age. For some, symptoms are so severe that they significantly restrict their activities to avoid embarrassing accidents. Most bladder control problems happen when muscles are too weak or too active.

If the muscles that keep your bladder closed are weak, you may have accidents when you sneeze, laugh, jump or lift a heavy object. This is stress incontinence.  If bladder muscles become too active, there may be a strong urge to go to the bathroom even when the bladder is not full. This is urge incontinence or overactive bladder.  There are other causes of incontinence, such as nerve damage from certain medical conditions or radiation damage from cancer treatment.

Treatment depends on the type of bladder problem and a woman’s personal preference. Treatments may include simple exercises, medicines, special devices prescribed a provider, or surgery. Many of these treatments are available at Selah.

Free resource guide for patients interested in learning more about Stress Urinary Incontinence.