Treating Urinary Incontinence in Staten Island, NY

Urinary incontinence, or a loss of bladder control, is a common condition, especially in older patients. Patients may feel ashamed of their symptoms, impacting their work or social life. They also may avoid discussing their symptoms with a physician. Fortunately, urinary incontinence is treatable. Richmond University Medical Center’s Urology Services Center offers urology services, including a focus on urology for women, and provides patients in Staten Island, NY, with a variety of options from simple lifestyle changes to medication and surgery.

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

The urinary tract system is primarily composed of the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Each part has an important function. The kidneys process waste into urine, which flows into the bladder for storage. As the bladder fills, nerve signals tell the bladder to contract and the urethra to relax. This allows urine to leave the body. When all parts function properly, people can go several hours between urinating, have time to reach the bathroom, and will not leak urine.

Urinary incontinence occurs when one or more parts stop operating as they should, leading to frequent urination, involuntary urination, or occasional or persistent leaks. There are many reasons this might happen, including:

Constipation
Urinary tract infection
Diuretic foods
Bladder irritation from smoking
Weakened bladder muscles from age
Hormonal changes
Pressure on the bladder
Abdominal injury or trauma
Obstruction by a bladder stone or tumor
Prostate cancer
Neurological disorders

Types of Urinary Incontinence

There are two common types of urinary continence:

Stress urinary incontinence: This is when a person leaks upon sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising.
Functional urinary incontinence: If someone has a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from using the toilet normally, this can result in functional urinary incontinence.

Urologists use physical exams, urinalysis, bladder diaries, urodynamic testing, and ultrasounds to evaluate a patient’s condition and diagnose its cause. This information helps in designing a urinary incontinence treatment plan that addresses the issue at its source.

Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is common, and it can happen to anyone. According to the Urology Care Foundation, a quarter to a third of U.S. adults experience urinary incontinence. Certain health and lifestyle factors, however, can increase an individual’s risk of developing incontinence. Patients with one or more of the following may be more susceptible:

Age over 65
Pregnancy
One or multiple childbirths
Post-menopause
Prostate problems
Poor overall health
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Stroke
A history of smoking
Obesity

Risk factors are not guarantees of incontinence, but they can contribute to a patient’s chances of developing incontinence. Richmond University Medical Center recommends that patients remain aware of their risk factors and contact a physician if they develop any symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

Symptoms of urinary incontinence may vary depending on the cause and severity. Some patients experience only occasional, minor leaks. Others may lose larger amounts of urine on a more frequent basis. Depending on the unique case, patients with urinary incontinence may experience:

Sudden, intense urges to urinate
Frequent urination
Waking up more than twice a night to urinate
Involuntary releases of urine
Frequent or constant leaks
Inability to fully empty the bladder

Urinary incontinence can have a wide impact on a patient’s life. Patients may avoid activities that do not allow easy access to a toilet, or they may limit social interactions out of embarrassment. It also may increase the risk of a dangerous fall for seniors who must rush to the bathroom. If urinary incontinence is negatively affecting a patient from day to day, medical treatment is recommended.