Incontinence in women
Women can face two types of incontinence. With urinary incontinence, urine leaks from the bladder. With fecal incontinence, stool leaks from the bowels. We know these conditions can cause embarrassment and shame. But incontinence is usually caused by a medical problem, one our providers can cure.
Weakened pelvic floor muscles, childbirth issues and getting older can cause either type of incontinence. Men may experience incontinence as well, but it is more common in women.
What you should know about incontinence in women:
- Does your bladder leak when you sneeze, cough or laugh? If so, you may have stress incontinence. Such movements put pressure on your bladder and push the urine out. Stress incontinence is the most common type of incontinence in women.
- Urge incontinence, sometimes referred to as overactive bladder, is when you have a strong urge to suddenly urinate. Often, the urge is too strong, and urine leaks out before you get to the bathroom.
Why choose Geisinger for your incontinence care?
- Specialized center for pelvic floor disorders: You don’t have to live with the embarrassment of urine or fecal leakage. The specialists at our Female Pelvic Medicine Reconstructive Surgery Center can help. Our providers can diagnose, treat and often cure incontinence. Learn more about pelvic floor disorders.
- Skilled team of providers: Our urogynecologists are urologists with additional training (fellowships) in pelvic floor disorders or urogynecologists Ob/GYNs with an interest in incontinence. They perform innovative evaluation and treatment procedures. We can help you return to your normal, active life as soon as possible.
- Women’s behavioral health providers: Some women feel shame or awkward talking about urinary or fecal incontinence. But you don’t have to feel anxious or alone. Our behavioral health providers specialize in women’s health issues and can help you work through these feelings before, during and after your treatment.
Treatment options
You don’t have to live with the shame or discomfort of incontinence. Our specialists can evaluate and treat you.
- BOTOX® detrusor injections
- Cystoscopy
- Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise
- Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
- Vaginal pessary
- Urethral bulking for intrinsic sphincter deficiency
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