Incontinence

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is the inability to control your bladder and rectum. Generally focusing on bladder issues in gynaecology, a loss of bladder control, known as urinary incontinence, can range from a small amount of leakage to a full-blown bladder accident. This condition can be triggered by laughing, sneezing, coughing and heavy lifting. If you experience involuntary urination during any of these movements, you may be suffering from incontinence.

How do I know if I’m incontinent?

Urinary incontinence, triggered by any of the aforementioned actions, is when urine leaks involuntarily from the urethra. Although there are many different types and causes, if you find yourself unable to control your urine output frequently, especially to the point of having a full-blown bladder accident, you may be experiencing it.

What are the causes?

The main forms of urinary incontinence are stress, urge, mixed, positional, overflow and functional. Their causes and symptoms include:

  • stress – the loss of urine that occurs with an increase in abdominal pressure or an exertion. It commonly occurs with coughing, laughing, sneezing, exercise or even during sexual intercourse.
  • urge – the loss of urine that occurs from an unwanted bladder contraction. Typically described as, “I can’t make it to the toilet.” It can be related to many other factors such as having an overactive bladder, intake of certain foods or drinks, prior pelvic surgery, nerve damage and many pre-existing medical conditions.
  • mixed – a combination of both stress and urge incontinence, which commonly occur together.
  • positional – the loss of urine primarily from a change in position, most commonly changing from a sitting to a standing position. This can be a form of stress incontinence, but may also indicate an anatomic abnormality such as pelvic prolapse.
  • overflow – the loss of urine that occurs in the setting of significant urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder). The urine seems to “spill out,” often with movement.
  • functional – the loss of urine that occurs secondary to conditions that make it difficult to reach the bathroom in time, such as dementia or arthritis.

How is incontinence treated for women?

There are many different treatments available, depending on the diagnosis and severity of the issue. It can be treated by surgery, medication, laser treatment and exercise. At our office, Dr. Adelasoye often treats this urinary condition with MonaLisa Touch, an innovative fractional CO2 laser.

Treatments in Campbell River, British Columbia

If you would like to explore your treatment options with Dr. Adelasoye, please get a referral to our office in Campbell River. If you are interested in MonaLisa Touch, please fill out the request form on our site to set up a consultation with Dr. Adelasoye.