Say Goodbye to Leaks: Treatment for Urinary Incontinence

Imagine navigating your day with confidence, free from the worry of unexpected and embarrassing bladder leaks. For many women, urinary incontinence is a daily struggle that disrupts routines and diminishes quality of life. Urogynecologist Karny Jacoby, MD, offers valuable insights and treatments to help women regain control and dignity. 

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What is Urinary Incontinence and Who is at Risk?

Urinary incontinence (UI) refers to the involuntary loss of bladder control, leading to urine leakage. It's a widespread problem, affecting half of American women aged 65 and above, and over 40% of those aged 50 to 64.

Common Types of UI:

1. Stress Incontinence: This type involves leakage due to increased abdominal pressure from activities like coughing, sneezing, lifting, or even simple movements such as stepping off a curb or walking down stairs.
2. Overactive Bladder (Urge Incontinence): This condition occurs when the bladder contracts unexpectedly, creating a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often leading to leakage before reaching the restroom. It can be triggered by the nervous system or bladder irritation.

Treatment Options

For Stress Incontinence:

• Physical Therapy: Enhances muscle and ligament strength and coordination.
• Nerve Stimulation Devices: Strengthens muscles through direct stimulation.
• Vaginal Devices: Devices like incontinence pessaries, such as over-the-counter bladder supports like Impressa®, provide physical support to the urethra.
• Bulking Agents: These injections plump tissue to narrow the urethra and reduce the chance of leakage.
• Mid-urethral Slings: A minimally-invasive procedure that supports the urethra.

For Overactive Bladder/Urge Incontinence:

• Behavioral Modifications: Techniques include timed voiding, double voiding, and avoiding dietary irritants like caffeine, acidic beverages, alcohol, and spicy foods.
• Medications: This includes specific medicines for incontinence as well as estrogen therapy. These may be helpful along with other treatments for women with urinary incontinence who are past menopause.
• Bladder Botox Injections: Botox helps block nerve signals to bladder muscles, providing temporary but effective relief.
• Sacral Neuromodulation Stimulation (SNS) Implants (InterStim™ and Axonics®): These devices improve communication between the brain and bladder by stimulating nerve roots, helping control bladder function.

Why Choose Overlake for Pelvic Health Services?

Overlake Clinics' Pelvic Health team stands out for its personalized approach. Overlake's urogynecologists and female urologists prioritize listening to patients' unique concerns and developing tailored treatment plans. For more information about pelvic health services and treatments at Overlake, visit Overlake Pelvic Health. Don't let pelvic floor problems interrupt your life—get the support and treatment you need to regain your confidence and comfort.

Pelvic Health Classes 
Discover techniques to improve your pelvic floor and gain practical tips and insights from our experts:

• Pelvic Floor Wellness: Individuals 30+, Thursday, Sept. 12, 6–8 p.m. Free.
• 4th Trimester: Pelvic Floor and Core Power Up, Tuesdays, Sept. 17–Oct. 15, 10–11 a.m.