Female Urinary Incontinence, It's More Common Than You Think

Urinary incontinence is one of those topics that many people don’t feel comfortable discussing with friends or loved ones. That can make you feel like you’re alone in dealing with this condition, and lead to feelings of embarrassment or shame when faced with leaking urine. 

But urinary incontinence is incredibly common among women, and Marsha E. Gorens, MD, is here to share information on the different types of urinary incontinence and what can be done to treat the condition. Many women from the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, wouldn’t consider entrusting their women’s health needs to any other provider. 

Urinary incontinence is more common than you might think

According to researchers, more than 60% of American women experience some form of urinary incontinence. This high rate is believed to be partly due to the aging Baby Boomer generation, as your risk of incontinence rises as you move through menopause and beyond. 

The growing obesity problem in America may also be partly to blame. Being overweight or obese dramatically increases your risk of bladder health issues, including incontinence. Women who’ve given birth are also at an elevated risk, especially those who’ve had multiple children. 

These statistics clearly show that no matter what kinds of issues you’ve had with a leaking bladder or involuntary release of urine, you are certainly not alone. While incontinence may not be a popular dinner party topic, it’s an experience that most women share, especially in later life. 

Urinary incontinence comes in different forms

There are several different types of urinary incontinence, categorized according to symptoms. Understanding these different types can help you decide when to seek treatment. 

• Urgency incontinence

Women with this type of urinary incontinence might find themselves feeling a strong, undeniable need to get to a restroom. They often worry that they won’t make it in time, and experience occasions when a small amount of urine leaks out before they can reach the toilet. 

• Stress incontinence

Women with stress incontinence may notice a small loss of urine when they are engaged in activities that place strain on the bladder. This can be anything from lifting a heavy object to a bout of coughing or laughing. 

• Functional incontinence

This form of urinary incontinence happens not because of a bladder malfunction, but because another health condition prevents you from getting to the bathroom in time. An example would be a mobility issue that slows you down.

• Overflow incontinence

Women with overflow incontinence experience leaking urine when their body produces more urine than their bladder can hold at once. 

If you experience symptoms from more than one of these types of incontinence, your provider might diagnose you with “mixed” incontinence. 

Treatment can help you regain control over your bladder

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help you find relief from urinary incontinence. Options include medication, pelvic muscle rehabilitation, dietary modifications, bladder training, and Botox® injections. 

Surgical interventions can also restore proper urinary function. A bladder sling can provide additional support for your bladder, and prolapse surgery can restore the position of pelvic organs that have shifted. 

There are also devices you can place inside your vagina to support your urethra and prevent leaking. They come in several shapes and sizes. 

These are just some of the ways Dr. Gorens can help you find lasting relief from urinary incontinence. The treatment process begins with a comprehensive diagnostic work-up to determine the source of your incontinence. 

When you’re ready to get started, reach out to Marsha E. Gorens, MD, to schedule a visit. Appointments can be made by phone with an administrative staff member or online using our easy booking tool.