Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine, is a common but often underreported condition affecting millions of women worldwide. The prevalence increases with age, but incontinence can occur at any stage of life and significantly impacts quality of life, social functioning, and psychological well-being. There are several types of urinary incontinence, with stress incontinence and urge incontinence being the most common, though many women experience mixed incontinence with features of both types.

Stress incontinence occurs when physical activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, cause urine leakage. This type is often related to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and supporting structures, commonly occurring after childbirth, with aging, or following certain surgical procedures. Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary urine loss. This type is associated with involuntary bladder muscle contractions and may be triggered by various factors including neurological conditions.

Risk factors for urinary incontinence include pregnancy and childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery of large babies, aging, menopause, obesity, chronic coughing, neurological disorders, and certain medications. The hormonal changes of menopause can lead to thinning and weakening of urethral and bladder tissues, contributing to incontinence. Family history and certain medical conditions such as diabetes can also increase risk.

Treatment options for urinary incontinence are varied and depend on the type and severity of incontinence. Conservative treatments include pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels), bladder training, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and fluid management, and behavioral therapies. Medical treatments may include topical estrogen for postmenopausal women, anticholinergic medications for overactive bladder, or beta-3 agonists. Surgical options range from minimally invasive procedures such as sling placement for stress incontinence to more complex reconstructive surgeries. Our comprehensive evaluation includes detailed history, physical examination, and specialized testing when necessary to develop an individualized treatment plan.