Urinary incontinence is twice as common for women as it is for men, and can cause anxiety and embarrassment. Dr. Cindy Basinski and Dr. Rupal Juran of Basinski & Juran, MDs, in Newburgh, Indiana, are experts in gynecology and urogynecology specializing in treating incontinence in women. If you live in Evansville, Indiana, or the surrounding communities, you don’t have to live with the disruptions of a leaky bladder or frequent urges to urinate. Call or schedule a consultation online today to learn about improving both your symptoms and the quality of your life.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a common problem for women that affect the quality of your life if left untreated. Some women experience leaky bladders, while others have an increased need to use the bathroom, or sudden urges to get to a bathroom immediately. Other women have to get up many times during the night, causing a disruption in sleep.
Stress incontinence and urge incontinence (overactive bladder) are the two types of incontinence. Some women have one or the other, while some experience a mixture of both conditions.
What causes incontinence?
Stress incontinence is typically the result of your pelvic muscles and tissue weakening and causing your bladder to move from its normal position. As a result, abdominal pressure when you laugh, cough, or sneeze may cause accidental urine loss. Pelvic muscles often become weaker as a result of:
- Age
- Dietary issues and obesity
- Smoking
- Pregnancy and vaginal deliveries
- After a hysterectomy
- Physical activity over the years
- Family medical history
Urge incontinence is the result of abnormal bladder contractions that happen as a result of nerve damage from other health conditions, like diabetes or stroke. Your bladder may be irritated from an existing condition, or an injury to your spinal cord. Dr. Basinski and Dr. Juran consider your health history and your symptoms so they can determine the cause of your incontinence and provide the most effective treatment options for your specific condition.
What are treatment options for incontinence?
Nonsurgical options are always the first choice for improving health conditions. However, if medications, lifestyle changes, and altering your diet aren’t effective at relieving your incontinence symptoms, there are other options available. One of these options to correct urinary stress incontinence is with a bladder sling to support your urethra.
What is a bladder sling?
After diagnostic testing and evaluation of your urinary leakage and other symptoms, Dr. Basinski or Dr. Juran may recommend a bladder sling. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can help correct or improve urinary stress incontinence. The doctors use a soft mesh “sling” to support your urethra and prevent urine leakage.
Placing a bladder sling typically involves a relatively simple procedure in which your doctor makes a small incision in your vagina, abdomen, or at the top of your thigh. She then inserts the mesh sling through the incision and positions it to support your urethra. The sling anchors itself to the tissue and muscle around your urethra to stay in place.
The soft, mesh bladder sling is made of a porous, light material that allows your body to grow in and around it to provide optimal support and prevent urine leakage.
Find out how Dr. Basinski and Dr. Juran can help improve your quality of life with incontinence treatment options. Call or schedule a consultation online today.