Incontinence

What is an overactive bladder?

An overactive bladder, or urge incontinence, causes sudden urges to urinate that are difficult or impossible to control. Urge incontinence causes frequent urination (more than eight times in 24 hours) as well as excessive nighttime urination.

If you suffer from an overactive bladder it can be difficult to engage in work and social activities. An overactive bladder can be caused by a number of underlying conditions that affect nerve functions like:

  • Diabetes
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Stroke

Impaired nerves can alter the signals being sent between the bladder and the brain. This results in erratic bladder functions and can cause you to feel the urge to urinate even when there is little urine in the bladder.

What is stress incontinence?

Stress incontinence causes you to leak urine when “stress” or pressure is applied to your bladder from activities such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects.

Stress incontinence is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles. Both men and women can suffer from stress incontinence. Life events like childbirth or prostate surgery can weaken the muscles in the pelvic floor, causing stress incontinence.

What is female incontinence?

Women are at an increased risk for incontinence. Life events like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and hysterectomies can impact the muscles needed to control the bladder.

Many women have mixed incontinence, experiencing multiple types of incontinence at once. Discussing your condition with one of the experienced urologists at Skyline Urology can help you get to the root of your condition.

How is incontinence diagnosed?

Before you begin treatment, your doctor has to determine what type of incontinence you’re experiencing. Your doctor begins your diagnosis by discussing your symptoms and medical history.

Certain conditions like diabetes and obesity can contribute to incontinence. Next, your provider completes a physical exam. In addition to the physical, your doctor may also perform:

Urinalysis

A urinalysis uses a sample of your urine to test for signs of infection and other abnormalities.

Post-void residual measurement

To perform this test you’ll be required to void your bladder. Your doctor then measures the amount of urine left in your bladder with a catheter or ultrasound. A significant amount of leftover urine can signal a blockage or other issues with your bladder or urinary tract.

How is incontinence treated?

There are a number of treatment options for incontinence including medication, lifestyle modifications, and surgery. Your doctor determines the best treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, and diagnosis.

At Skyline Urology, the team specializes in nonsurgical and minimally invasive methods for treating incontinence.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is an innovative, nonsurgical solution to urinary incontinence. PTS works by indirectly stimulating the muscles in the pelvic floor, improving bladder function.

During the procedure, gentle electric pulses are applied near the tibial nerve (lower leg) through a slim electrode. PTNS is a safe and low-risk option that requires no downtime.