Urinary Incontinence

If you dread laughing, coughing, or sneezing in public due to urinary incontinence, the Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates team can help you go about your day with confidence. With convenient offices in Marietta and Powder Springs, Georgia, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates provides compassionate and comprehensive care for women. Book your appointment today using the online scheduler or call the office nearest you.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control that results in urine leakage. It’s a natural side effect of problems with the nerves that control the bladder or weakened muscles in the lower abdomen.

Urinary incontinence often affects women. Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, childbirth, menopause, and aging can contribute to the issue. Other causes include:

Medication

Medications can cause urinary incontinence in men and women. It can be a side effect of:

• Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide
• Muscle relaxants or sedatives like diazepam
• Narcotics like oxycodone (Percocet®) or morphine
• Antihistamines, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)

If the team suspects that you’re experiencing distressing side effects from a medication, they’ll discuss treatment alternatives to improve your quality of life.

Muscle weakness

If your pelvic floor muscles are weak, your bladder will struggle to hold urine, particularly if you sneeze, laugh, cough, jump, or perform another abrupt action. This is called stress incontinence. A weak pelvic floor has also been linked to fecal incontinence.

Changes in body function

Diseases or illnesses can cause physical changes in your body that increase your risk of urinary incontinence. These can include strokes, congenital disorders, neurologic injuries, or multiple sclerosis (MS).

How is urinary incontinence treated?

The Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with urinary incontinence.

Your personalized treatment plan can include:

• Vaginal devices
• Injections
• Kegel exercises
• Medicines
• Surgery

The best approach to treat your incontinence will depend on its underlying cause.

How can I decrease my risk of urinary incontinence?

You can’t always prevent urinary incontinence, but lifestyle changes and activities can make it less likely. These include:

• Performing pelvic floor exercises
• Quitting smoking
• Eating more fiber to prevent constipation
• Steering clear of alcohol, caffeine, and acidic foods that irritate the bladder
• Maintaining a healthy weight

If you feel embarrassed by urinary incontinence symptoms, it’s time to let the Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates team help you. The expert providers offer personalized treatments to support women’s health, and you can be confident that you’ll receive the highest standard of care.

To contact the Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates team, book an appointment today using the online scheduler or call the office nearest you.