Incontinence

What causes incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be caused by many underlying issues, including hormonal changes, nerve-related issues and problems affecting the muscles that support or control the urinary tract. Significant weight gain, vaginal birth and some diseases can also cause incontinence to occur. Urinary incontinence can be divided into three primary types:

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• Urge incontinence, or overactive bladder, results in an increased need to urinate, even at night. People who have urge incontinence often must get up several times during the night to use the bathroom.
• Stress incontinence causes bladder leakage when you sneeze, cough or laugh, or when you participate in some physical activities like exercise or sexual intercourse. Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder become weak or damaged, often as a result of age or hormone changes.
• Mixed incontinence involves symptoms of both urge and stress types.

How is incontinence diagnosed?

Dr. Goldberg will ask you questions and perform an exam to determine what's causing your symptoms. Additional testing and possibly referral to a urologist may be necessary. The type of testing and treatment you need will depend on your symptoms, findings on examination, and test results.

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