Incontinence


Dr. Nielsen's
Menopause Corner

Urinary incontinence, or leakage, affects more than 13 million people in the United States, 85 percent of whom are women. By definition, urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a common problem that affects women, impacting quality of life. There are many types of urinary incontinence, such as stress incontinence or urge incontinence.

The good news is that urinary incontinence is usually the result of an underlying condition that can be treated non-surgically or surgically. Common causes include weak pelvic muscles, chronic diseases, childbirth and age.

Oakdale OBGYN doctors and nurse practitioners offer women of all ages non-surgical and surgical treatment options for urinary incontinence.

Evaluation
A thorough evaluation of incontinence problems is crucial to determine the most appropriate therapy. A nurse practitioner with advanced training in urodynamics and incontinence will complete a series of tests, or urodynamic testing, to evaluate bladder function because of it often is related to urinary problems or leakage. These tests help to determine which treatment option is best for you and your lifestyle. 

Treatment options
Treatment options may include medical therapy (medications or behavioral therapy) or surgery. If surgery is necessary, our minimally invasive surgical techniques assure your return to normal activities as quickly and as safely as possible. Incontinence is usually treated with a "sling" procedure, which is a short, outpatient surgery where a small piece of material is used to support the urethra and the bladder, reducing likelihood of leakage.


Our services

  • Urogynecology evaluation, including a incontinence-urinary diary and urogynecology questionnaire.
  • Urodynamic testing
  • Non-surgical treatment for incontinence
  • Surgical treatment for conditions contributing to incontinence include uterine prolapse
  • Lifestyle and behavioral changes
  • Pessary fittings

It is important to tell your Oakdale OBGYN doctor or nurse practitioner if you are experiencing any involuntary leakage of urine.

What is urogynecology?  
Urogynecology is a gynecological subspecialty that offers care for women who have urinary problems. Similar to urologists who care for men's urinary health, urogynecology is performed by gynecologists who have special interest and training in caring for urinary leakage, or incontinence, in women. Many of today's modern urogynecology surgical procedures to treat urinary incontinence were developed by gynecologists. In fact, gynecologists have been leaders in managing pelvic organ prolapse concerns. Common terms used to describe this condition are "fallen bladder", "prolapsed uterus", "vaginal bulge", and "female organs falling out".