More than 25 million Americans experience urinary incontinence, a common but annoying condition characterized by involuntary voids of urine. At Modern Urology, experienced urologists Jose Vilaro, MD, and Adam De Fazio, MD, JD, specialize in diagnosing and treating adult urinary incontinence. To make an appointment, call the practice in Miami, Florida, or book online today.
Urinary incontinence causes your bladder to leak urine. If you have incontinence, leakage can occur at any time, affecting your confidence and quality of life.
Though annoying and embarrassing, treatment is available. After reviewing your medical records, discussing your symptoms, and a physical exam, your Modern Urology provider can make recommendations to reduce accidents and keep your clothes clean and dry.
Modern Urology diagnoses and treats several types of urinary incontinence, including:
Urge incontinence causes a sudden and intense need to urinate. It occurs so quickly that it’s difficult to make it to the toilet on time. Often, urge incontinence occurs due to an underlying medical condition called overactive bladder.
Overflow incontinence means your bladder can’t fully empty. If your bladder constantly has urine in it, small amounts can spill out at various times. Often, overflow incontinence occurs due to an underlying health problem that affects the nerves, like multiple sclerosis (MS) or diabetes.
Stress incontinence happens if you have a weak pelvic floor. If your pelvic floor muscles aren’t in shape, things like coughing, sneezing, or laughing can place pressure on your bladder, causing it to release urine accidentally.
Mixed incontinence occurs due to a combination of factors. For example, it’s possible to have both an overactive bladder and bladder-related nerve damage caused by diabetes.
To diagnose urinary incontinence, your Modern Urology provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including how often you urinate, if you leak between trips to the toilet, and how often the leakage occurs.
Next, your provider performs a physical exam and orders lab tests, including urinalysis and an ultrasound of your bladder. They might also have you do a stress test. During a stress test, your provider asks you to cough. They also have you run or walk on a treadmill to see if those activities cause urine to leak.
Treatment of urinary incontinence depends on various factors, including your age, the type, and the severity of your symptoms. Your Modern Urology provider might suggest:
You might also benefit from wearing incontinence products, like underpads or booster pads, that prevent leaks from soiling your underwear or clothing.
To explore the treatment options for urinary incontinence, make an appointment at Modern Urology by calling the office or booking online today.