I’m starting to have a problem with urinary incontinence. What are my options for treatment?
Urinary incontinence is a very common problem, affecting approximately 10 million Americans. Between 15-30% of persons over the age of 60 are troubled by this problem(1). There are many types of urinary leaking of which stress and urge incontinence are two very common types. Stress urinary incontinence is associated with the involuntary loss of urine with cough, sneeze, or lifting. Urge urinary incontinence (also known as ‘over-active bladder’) is associated with sudden and strong desire to urinate, often prompting a leak of urine. A number of women have a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises have been shown to be effective in controlling incontinence(2). In fact, strengthening the pelvic floor by exercises is associated with a 40-60% improvement in bladder control. Stress urinary incontinence can be treated by surgery. A number of newer treatments have shown significant improvement compared to older techniques. Urge incontinence can be effectively treate
