Urinary Incontinence: Diagnosis
DO I HAVE URINARY INCONTINENCE?
Have you experienced any of the most common symptoms of urinary incontinence?
Unexpected leakage
Difficulty holding your urine
Sudden urge to urinate
Urinating more than 8 times a day
Many women have secret strategies for managing these symptoms, like wearing liners or pads, going before leaving the house, always finding a public restroom, limiting fluids throughout the day and crossing their legs. If you’re thinking “hey I use some of those same strategies” then it may be time to explore your options, to get you back to feeling like yourself again.
WHAT TYPE OF URINARY INCONTINENCE DO I HAVE?
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence is the loss of urine during any movement that puts pressure on the bladder like laughing, sneezing, jumping or lifting heavy objects. Some potential risk factors include age and menopause, pregnancy, injuries to the pelvic region, family history, obesity/BMI, and diet.
Hypermobility
Hypermobility occurs when the bladder, bladder neck and urethra are no longer adequately supported. Pressure caused by coughing or sneezing can push the bladder neck and urethra downward, causing leaks.
Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency
Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency is the inability of the sphincter muscle to close completely which causes urine leakage. This can happen as a result of damage to the nerves connected to the sphincter and sphincter muscle.
Urge Urinary Incontinence
Urge Urinary Incontinence is often described by patients as needing to go even if they just went. Some common symptoms include urinating more than 8 times a day or a strong and sudden desire to urinate.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed Incontinence is involuntary bladder leakage associated with a combination of both Urge and Stress Urinary Incontinence.
Depending on the severity, Urinary Incontinence can be treated several ways. Before you go below the belt, talk with your doctor to determine which treatment is right for you.
Ready to take back your life?
A definitive diagnosis helps shape the course of your treatment plan for Urinary Incontinence. Talk to your doctor to take back your life.
Boston Scientific is committed to bringing more hope, more health and more life to women around the world. Learn more