Frequently Asked Questions

No. Leaking urine, otherwise known as incontinence, is a condition that becomes more common among women as they age and/or after childbirth. However, it should NOT be considered normal, there are many treatment options available depending on the type of incontinence you have.

Incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine (for males and females). There are five main types of female incontinence. Stress and urge incontinence are the most common types experienced by women. Click here for information on all five conditions.

The cause of your incontinence depends on the type of incontinence that you have. For stress urinary incontinence, also referred to as SUI, the root cause is typically due to weakness in the tissues surrounding the urethra and the bladder. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In the case of stress incontinence, the pelvic muscles become weak and lose some of their tone, which then do not have enough strength to keep the bladder sealed when any pressure is applied. This is particularly common after child birth.

It is estimated that over 30 million women in the U.S. alone suffer from incontinence, the most common form is stress incontinence. It is a common condition that an estimated one in four women face, and it is important to know that it is something that can be treated.

It is important to keep in mind that incontinence is a medical condition, just as lung disease or migraine headaches are medical conditions. Your doctor is trained to help you with issues like this. Incontinence is a very common condition and should not be viewed as something to be ashamed of. Any medical condition should not be ignored as there may be serious underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Not necessarily. If your primary care doctor, typically an OB/GYN or General Practitioner, treats incontinence in women, he/she will determine if they are able to treat you. If they do not offer a treatment option that you wish to pursue, it is recommended that you locate a physician that meets your needs.

Urodynamic testing is a study typically performed in a doctor’s office to assess how the bladder (organ that stores the urine) and urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body) perform in storing and releasing urine. This test can help the doctor in finding the cause of your incontinence symptoms.

Depending on the type of symptoms you are experiencing, your doctor will assess what type of urodynamic testing is required.

Incontinence symptoms are typically straightforward and you will receive a diagnosis upon your first visit. However, if you require further testing such as a urodynamic work-up or an evaluation using cystoscopy, it may require another visit before you receive a final diagnosis.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that uses an instrument called a cystoscope which enables the doctor to view the inside of the bladder to check for any abnormal conditions such as bladder stones, infection, tumors, etc. The cystoscope is a long thin instrument that has a camera lens on the end which is inserted through the urethra. This does not require surgery and is typically performed in a doctor’s office.

Incontinence left untreated is associated with UTI (urinary tract infections), skin rashes and sores. Quality of life is highly affected and may worsen as the condition becomes chronic. Depression, and lack of self-esteem, may stem from withdrawal from social events and physical activities.

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Kegel exercise is a form of exercise that involves the pelvic floor muscles. In some cases, performing this form of exercise will reduce or eliminate symptoms from some forms of incontinence. It is commonly recommended as first line therapy.

There are prescription medications that you doctor may order for you depending on the type of incontinence that you are diagnosed with. There are currently no FDA approved drugs for stress urinary incontinence.

Diagnostic tests and evaluations are usually covered by private insurance and Medicare. Most treatments for incontinence are covered as well, however, it is always good practice to understand what your insurance coverage policy is for any procedure you are considering. If you find that the treatment you are considering is not currently covered under your policy, your health care provider may offer an alternative plan that fits within your budget.