Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common and often embarrassing condition that affects millions of women. While many believe it is simply an inevitable part of aging or motherhood, it is a medical condition that can be effectively managed. At Ogeechee OBGYN, with offices in Statesboro, Swainsboro, and Sylvania, Georgia, the team provides compassionate care and advanced treatments to help you regain control and confidence. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control, ranging from a slight leak when you cough or sneeze to a sudden, intense urge to urinate that results in an accident. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying physical problem or change in the body.

Because the female anatomy—including pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause—puts unique stresses on the bladder and supporting muscles, women are significantly more likely than men to experience these issues.

What are the different types of urinary incontinence?

The team at Ogeechee OBGYN treats several types of bladder control issues, including:

• Stress Incontinence: This occurs when physical movement or activity—such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising—puts pressure (stress) on your bladder, causing leakage.
• Urge Incontinence: Often called "overactive bladder," this is a sudden, intense need to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may feel like you need to go constantly throughout the day and night.
• Overflow Incontinence: This happens when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to constant or frequent dribbling.
• Mixed Incontinence: Many women experience a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

The providers at Ogeechee OBGYN believe no woman should have to suffer in silence. To find the root cause of your symptoms, your provider conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which includes:

• Medical History: A discussion of your symptoms, frequency of accidents, and fluid intake habits.
• Physical Exam: A pelvic exam to check the strength of your pelvic floor muscles and look for signs of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Urinalysis: A test to rule out infections or traces of blood.
• Bladder Diary: You may be asked to track how much you drink and when you experience leakage for several days.
• Advanced Testing: In some cases, your provider may recommend urodynamic testing to measure bladder pressure and flow.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

Treatment at Ogeechee OBGYN is tailored to the type and severity of your incontinence and your lifestyle goals. Your personalized plan may include:

• Behavioral Techniques: Scheduled toilet trips and fluid management.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Often called Kegels, these exercises strengthen the muscles that help control urination.
• Bladder Training: Techniques to delay urination after you get the urge to go.
• Medications: Prescriptions that can calm an overactive bladder or help the bladder empty more effectively.
• Medical Devices: A pessary, which is a ring inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and prevent leakage.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: In cases where conservative treatments aren't enough, your provider may discuss outpatient procedures, such as urethral bulking agents or sling procedures, to support the urethra.

You don’t have to let bladder issues limit your lifestyle. To explore your treatment options with the experts at Ogeechee OBGYN, call the office or book an appointment online today.