Leaks when you laugh or sneeze? Solutions are available at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics

Whether it’s keeping an eye out for the nearest restroom, skipping workouts or carrying extra pads, many women treat bladder leaks as something they simply have to live with. While urinary incontinence is common, it’s also very treatable. From conservative therapies to surgical approaches, there are treatment options to fit your needs and improve your quality of life.

One in two women will experience urinary incontinence in their life

According to the National Association for Continence, only about 25% of women mention incontinence to their provider, and on average, women wait more than six years after symptoms begin to seek professional help. That delay can mean unnecessary discomfort and disruption to daily life. Tara Denke, MD, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, explains, "Urinary incontinence is not just a problem that older women experience — it is very common, and it affects all ages."

Starting the conversation with your primary care provider or women’s health provider is an important first step to identify your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Understanding the type — stress, urgency or mixed

Urinary incontinence can take different forms. "The main thing we focus on when a patient comes in is the type of incontinence they have," Dr. Denke explained. "Many likely won’t know what type, so we start by asking them questions, such as when they experience leakage."

Some women experience a sudden urge to urinate and leak before reaching a bathroom, known as urgency incontinence. Others experience leakage during physical activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising — this is known as stress incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when your pelvic floor muscles have weakened, possibly due to age, smoking, being overweight, pregnancy or childbirth. Some women may experience a mix of both urgency and stress incontinence.

Treatments with lasting relief

"The best treatment option depends on the type and severity of incontinence and the patient’s overall health. This can range from something as noninvasive as a physical therapy program or medication to an outpatient procedure, such as placing a suburethral sling," Dr. Denke said. "There’s no need for women to have to suffer with symptoms when there are really great treatment methods."

When incontinence continues to interfere with daily life, a suburethral sling can be an effective treatment option to provide lasting relief. The sling supports the urethra, helping prevent leakage during activities like exercise, coughing or laughing — making it an effective treatment option for stress incontinence. "This is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia and it takes less than an hour," Dr. Denke said. "It’s a great permanent solution to help leakage stop completely or be significantly reduced."

For women struggling with stress incontinence who are not good surgical candidates and are not physically active, a signet ring pessary may be another good option for treatment. This is an O shaped ring that works by providing structural support to your urethra to prevent leakage.

Treatments are available at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics. If you’re struggling with urinary incontinence, talk to your women’s health provider to determine which treatment is best for you. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling 952.442.2137.