Incontinence Specialist

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is an uncontrollable leaking of urine caused by an accidental or involuntary loss of control of your bladder. Incontinence ranges from leaking just a few drops of urine to completely emptying your bladder. The most common types of incontinence are:

• Stress urinary incontinence (SUI): Dr. Sharma diagnoses you with SUI when you leak urine while coughing, laughing, sneezing, or while walking, running, or exercising. SUI is hard to stop and often causes accidents on the way to the bathroom.
• Urge incontinence: Urge incontinence is a sudden, intense urge to urinate immediately followed by an involuntary loss of urine. Infections and diabetes are known to cause urge incontinence.
• Overflow incontinence: Overflow incontinence is a frequent or constant dribbling of urine that occurs because your bladder doesn't empty completely.

Mixed incontinence combines symptoms of more than one type of incontinence.

What causes incontinence?

The most common causes of incontinence include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Diuretic medications, caffeine, and alcohol
• Pelvic floor disorders
• Constipation
• Neuromuscular problems where nerve signals from your brain to your bladder and urethra get disrupted
• Anatomical issues like bladder stones or other growths

How is incontinence diagnosed?

In order to diagnose you with incontinence, Dr. Sharma reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms with you, and performs a physical exam. This exam includes several tests including:

• Urinalysis: A urine sample is checked for infection, blood, or other abnormalities.
• Post-void residual measurement: After urination, your bladder is checked for remaining waste.

Dr. Sharma may request you keep a bladder diary that includes the amount you drink and urinate, as well as when you have urges and episodes of incontinence.

How is incontinence treated?

The type of treatment Dr. Sharma recommends for incontinence depends on its type, severity, and cause. Often, treatment begins with the underlying cause and requires a combination of therapies. Treatments for incontinence include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Bladder training
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Surgery

Because incontinence tends to be embarrassing to discuss, Dr. Sharma offers a small, private setting at Fremont OB/GYN for you to get answers. Call or make an appointment online today.