Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (leakage) is a very common problem for women of all ages, but is especially prevalent after childbirth and as women age. Incontinence can be embarrassing and if severe enough can lead women to change their lifestyles. They may choose not to play active games with their children, stop certain exercise programs, and become more isolated due to the stress of possibly leaking in certain situations. Treatment of incontinence is one of Dr. Isom-Batz’s passions.

There are two main types of urinary leakage : Stress Incontinence and Urge Incontinence.

Stress Urinary Incontinence is unexpected leakage of urine while doing activities that increase intrabdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. There are a few different treatment options for this type of incontinence including pelvic floor strengthening exercises, urethral injections with bulking agents, and vaginal support procedures such as vaginal slings. These minor procedures can usually be done in less than 30 minutes and sometimes can be done in an office setting with minimal discomfort and little down time.

Urinary urge incontinence is leakage due to an uncontrollable and unexpected strong urge to urinate. Many times this happens as you are on the way to the bathroom, just as you are about to unbutton your pants, or as you try to unlock the front door. It also frequently occurs as you stand up after sitting for a while, and can even occur out of nowhere with no warning at all. There are numerous treatment options for this including lifestyle modifications, biofeedback and numerous medications. If these do not work adequately, there are other options which are minimally invasive and can be done in an office setting including Botox injections into the bladder wall, tibial nerve stimulation, and sacral nerve stimulation, all of which have been successful in difficult to treat patients.

Insurance generally covers incontinence procedures and medications.

 
 
 

 
 
 
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