Help! I Think I'm Incontinent
Urinary incontinence is way more common than most people think, affecting up to 45% of women. But because many of us don’t bring up the topic, incontinence can feel confusing, embarrassing, and even a little scary.
The good news? Leaking pee isn’t something you have to just deal with. From stress incontinence during jumping jacks to sudden gotta-go urgency, there are many reasons incontinence can happen, but treatment can help correct the problem.
Here’s what to know about why your bladder is acting up, what’s normal, and when it’s time to see a medical professional.
Visit our board-certified OB/GYN physician, Daniel Esteves, MD, and the staff at his private practice in Lawrenceville and Loganville, Georgia, to ease symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Causes of urinary incontinence
Both men and women experience urinary incontinence, though it’s more common among women. Risk factors include:
- Being female
- Aging (being over 50)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Constipation
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Some medications
- Having a baby
- Stroke
- Overactive bladder
- Diabetes and other chronic diseases
- Menopause
- Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or other neurological disorders
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Family history of incontinence
- Smoking
- Excess body weight
The cause isn’t always clear, but treatment with Dr. Esteves can offer long-lasting symptom relief.
Symptoms of incontinence to watch for
Here are some signs you might be struggling with urinary incontinence:
- Leaking urine when you sneeze, run, jump, laugh, cough, bend over, have sex, or lift something heavy
- An intense need to urinate right away
- Urine leaks caused by urgency and not getting to the bathroom in time
- Having a bladder that doesn’t empty completely after going to the bathroom
- Waking up to pee more than twice during the night
- Wetting the bed
Peeing more than eight times daily often indicates urinary incontinence.
What should I do if I experience urinary incontinence?
See Dr. Esteves as soon as you experience urinary incontinence. He helps determine possible causes and creates an effective treatment plan.
You might undergo a physical exam, urine testing, bladder function tests, an ultrasound, or other diagnostic tests.
Your personalized urinary incontinence treatment plan may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Healthy weight management
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Bladder training
- Physical therapy
- Fluid and diet management
- Topical estrogen
- Medications
- Electrical stimulation
- Nerve stimulation
- Injections
- Medical device
- Medical procedure
It’s helpful to avoid smoking, exercise regularly, and eat nutritious foods. Dr. Esteves follows up to ensure your treatment plan is effective. He’s available anytime you have questions or concerns about your condition or you develop new symptoms.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Esteves for a personalized urinary incontinence treatment plan. Simply contact us today by calling our nearest office or requesting an appointment online.
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