My Urinary Incontinence Is Embarrassing: Can You Help?

Whether it’s just a few drops or what feels like a flood of urine, uncontrolled leakage can be embarrassing, inconvenient, and stressful. 

There are several different types of urinary incontinence that can show up with age, often related to anatomical changes from pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. Incontinence can also be a temporary issue you experience because of a urinary tract infection or medication. 

Our team of OB/GYNs at The Association for Women’s Health Care understands the shame and embarrassment that women feel when they experience urinary incontinence. You’re not alone either: Over 25 million Americans experience some form of involuntary urinary leakage, most of whom are women. 

At our offices in The Loop in Chicago, and Northbrook, Illinois, our experts can identify the type of incontinence you have, the reasons you have it, and the treatments to improve your bladder control. 

The different types of urinary incontinence

The type of urinary incontinence you experience dictates how and when you leak urine. We primarily see patients with these common types:

Stress incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence happens when the muscles supporting your bladder and around it place increased pressure on the bladder itself, causing urine to leak out. You might dribble urine when you sneeze, lift a heavy object, or laugh. 

Urge incontinence

When you have urge incontinence, a strong need to urinate can pop up at any time and propel you to the nearest restroom. In many of those cases, you might not be able to make it to a restroom. 

Unexpected complications

Beyond feeling embarrassed about leakage or close calls, untreated urinary incontinence can have a greater impact on your health and wellness than you might initially realize. Urinary incontinence can leave your skin wet, which leads to skin problems like irritation, rashes, and infections. 

You’re also more likely to experience repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) when you have urinary incontinence. UTIs happen when bacteria get stuck in your urinary tract. UTIs cause irritation, odorous urine, and increased urinary frequency, which can all exacerbate symptoms of urinary incontinence. 

How we can help

Yes, we can help with urinary tract infections and all of their possible complications. We review your medical history and explore possible reasons for your overactive bladder, including pregnancy, childbirth, medications, and menopause. 

We can teach you pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that control urination. You can benefit from these exercises regardless of the cause of your incontinence.

Personalized urinary incontinence care depends on the underlying cause or causes of your condition. You might benefit from:

• Changing your medications
• Bladder training
• Smoking cessation
• A healthy diet and exercise regimen
• Botulinum toxin injections
• Medications for certain types of urinary incontinence
• Electrical nerve stimulation
• Medical devices like catheters or pessaries
• Sling surgeries

We start with conservative, nonsurgical treatments to improve your bladder control and minimize your urinary accidents.

Don’t hesitate to address your urinary concerns, even if you’re embarrassed to bring them up. Call us at The Association for Women’s Health Care or book an appointment online today.