Rahel Ghenbot, MD, is a urogynecologist board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology at Inova Urogynecology in Leesburg. Dr. Ghenbot specializes in minimally invasive surgery to treat urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and abnormalities of the urogenital tract.
Far too many women suffer in silence with urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control). Maybe you were told that a little leakage is just normal as you age. Or you might think the only fix is major surgery. Both statements are false.
Urinary incontinence is a common — but complex — condition. And it’s not normal or “just part of life.” There are different types, and each type has its own causes and treatments. An experienced healthcare team can successfully treat most cases of incontinence without major surgery.
At Inova Health System, we provide the range of treatments for all types of incontinence, including nonsurgical methods and minimally invasive procedures. Offering many different options empowers you to choose what’s best for your needs and lifestyle.
If you have overactive bladder, you frequently feel a strong and sudden urge to urinate that you can’t control. You might leak urine when you feel this urge, or you might have trouble making it to the bathroom.
Overactive bladder (OAB) is usually the cause of urgency incontinence. This condition affects more than 40 percent of women in the U.S. The main cause of OAB is often unknown. But we know that when you have OAB, the bladder muscles contract even when they aren’t supposed to. These contractions feel like an urge to urinate.
Urgency incontinence treatment can improve your bladder’s ability to store urine for an adequate period of time, reducing urgency, frequency and leakage. Your doctor can explain the treatments that may work best for you, including:
One-third of adult women experience stress urinary incontinence at some point. You might have SUI if you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, jump or laugh.
Stress urinary incontinence is often a result of damaged or weakened pelvic floor muscles. Normally, these muscles act like a sling to support your bladder and urethra (tube where urine comes out). If your pelvic floor muscles don’t work properly, your bladder and urethra can’t hold urine in like they should.
Your treatment for SUI depends on what’s causing it and your preferences. SUI is usually a muscle problem, not a nerve problem, so it requires different treatments than urgency incontinence. But many women have a mix of urge and stress incontinence and might benefit from more than one treatment.
See your doctor to discuss your options for treating SUI, which may include:
Many women experience stress, anxiety and depression from bladder leaks. They might live with incontinence for months or even years because of embarrassment or being told it’s “no big deal.”
You deserve to enjoy life to the fullest without worrying about your bladder. Treating urinary incontinence can improve your physical and emotional well-being and boost your confidence. Take a bladder control assessment to see if it’s time to consult a doctor.
Don’t let urinary incontinence hold you back. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to live with it. Our urogynecologists guide you through all your options so you can choose what’s best for you. We customize your treatment based on your goals and preferences.
Learn more or contact us to find out how we can help.
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