More than 50% of post-menopausal patients have the involuntary loss of urine. There are three types:

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• Stress incontinence – occurs with coughing, sneezing, or exercise

• Urgency incontinence – is the leakage of urine in response to a strong urge to urinate

• Mixed incontinence – a combination of stress and urgency incontinence

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The first step in treating urinary incontinence is a thorough baseline evaluation of symptoms. In some cases, urodynamic testing may be performed to measure the storage of urine in the bladder as well as voiding. Our office offers this evaluation and testing.

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Conservative, non-invasive treatment would be offered first. This includes:

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• Behavioral Therapy

  • Fluid management (avoid caffeine, limit fluids before bedtime)

  • Scheduled urination every 1.5 to 2 hours

  • Bladder training (establish normal voiding intervals)

  • Weight loss if indicated

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

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These exercises strengthen the muscles around the urethra and vagina and improve blood flow to the vulva and vagina.

 

Our office offers pelvic floor muscle training, supervised by a registered nurse. Our program includes:

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• Individualized, personal training

• Biofeedback allowing you to visualize your progress

• Home training exercise instruction

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When pelvic floor muscle training is combined with behavioral therapy, patients may experience a 50% - 80% reduction in their symptoms of urinary incontinence and urinary frequency.