Dr. Craig Ranch of McKinney, TX, is an obstetrician/gynecologist who understands how embarrassing certain conditions can be for women. This includes urinary incontinence, which can cause unwanted leakage of the bladder. Understanding the types of incontinence and effective treatments are the first steps in learning more about this and other conditions that may be related to or cause UI to worsen.
Understanding urinary incontinence
There are several different types of urinary incontinence (UI), and the causes can vary from person to person. UI is often caused by an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or a stroke. UI can also be caused by certain medications, such as diuretics or blood pressure medications. Pregnancy and childbirth are also common causes of UI.
- Stress incontinence. The most typical type of UI is stress incontinence, which occurs when the muscles that support the bladder are weak or damaged. This can happen due to factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or other factors. With stress incontinence, urine leaks when there is increased pressure on the bladder, such as during laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
- Urge incontinence. Another common type of UI is urge incontinence. With urge incontinence, the bladder muscles contract too often or too strongly, causing a strong urge to urinate. This can be caused by an infection, like a urinary tract infection (UTI), or other conditions, such as overactive bladder syndrome.
- Overflow incontinence. Overflow incontinence is a variety of UI that can occur when the bladder doesn’t empty completely when you urinate. This can be the result of an obstruction in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate in men.
There are many different treatments for UI, and the best treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your UI. Some common treatments may include pelvic floor muscle exercises, lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Craig Ranch OB/GYN today
If you are dealing with urinary incontinence, it is important to talk to Dr. Craig Ranch of McKinney, TX, about your symptoms and treatment options. Urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing and distressing condition, but there are many effective treatments available. With the proper treatment, you can regain control of your bladder and improve your quality of life. Call 214-544-6600 today to request an appointment with our team of providers.
