Have incontinence? There is hope

Whether it is stress incontinence, overactive bladder, or both, the challenge is the same: the inability to control urination, often at the most inopportune times.

But there is hope. Both incontinence and overactive bladder can be treated by a urologist. This specialized medical doctor diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions that affect the urinary tract and reproductive system.

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence (urinary) occurs when unwanted bladder leaks happen during normal daily activities, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. The condition is much more common in women than in men.

Stress incontinence occurs when certain muscles linked to urination weaken. This includes the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, rectum, uterus (in women), and prostate (in men). In women, these muscles may become weak due to childbirth. In men, weakness may occur after prostate surgery.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other factors that increase the risk of stress incontinence include natural aging, and being overweight.

Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen muscles to control bladder leakage. Lifestyle changes can also help and include quitting smoking and losing weight. Additionally, injections of a bulking agent called Bulkamid are an effective treatment option. The soft, water-based gel restores the natural closing of the urethra and can provide long-lasting relief. Fecal incontinence can also occur, and can be treated by a urologist.

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder is a strong urge to urinate frequently, even when the bladder is not full. The condition affects an estimated 50 million Americans.

These involuntary bladder muscle contractions may be due to certain medical conditions, such as tumors or bladder stones, diabetes, constipation, enlarged prostate, or hormonal changes during menopause. Symptoms may also be linked to cognitive decline due to aging, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, and certain medications.

Treatments for overactive bladder include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes, and medications. Botox injections can relax the muscles and increase the amount of urine the bladder can hold.

Additionally, placement of a miniature implant device under the skin called Axonics Therapy gently stimulates nerves that control the bladder. Known as neuromodulation, the device acts as a pacemaker for the bladder to improve symptoms. Axonics Therapy is also used for bowel incontinence, which affects about 19 million American adults.

Overactive bladder combined with stress incontinence is called mixed urinary incontinence. It is most common in women over age 65, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.