Incontinence Specialist

What is incontinence?

Urinary incontinence, also simply known as incontinence, is involuntary leaking of urine you can’t control. It affects more people than you might think -- up to one-third of adults in the United States -- and can make it difficult to go about your daily life as usual, for fear of symptoms interfering.

What causes incontinence?

Urinary incontinence isn’t an illness or disorder itself, but a symptom of one. Common causes of temporary flare-ups include urinary tract infections and constipation. Longer lasting symptoms may derive from pregnancy, childbirth, weakened bladder muscles due to aging, menopause or a hysterectomy. Among the types of incontinence, the two most common types are urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Many patients at Eastside Medical Park Women's Group struggle with ongoing stress urinary incontinence which causes your bladder to leak during physical activity, exercise, coughing or sneezing. Frequent urges to urinate and bladder leakage can also derive from overactive bladder.

How is incontinence treated?

Treatment for stress urinary incontinence involves addressing the underlying cause. Moderate treatment options such as medications, lifestyle shifts, such as dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises and physical therapy help in many cases, but ongoing symptoms may require more advanced medical care. Before surgical options are considered, Dr. Kupferman will work with the patient to explore additional conservative treatment options, such as inserting a device called a pessary. If other treatments aren’t effective, Dr. Kupferman may recommend surgical solutions to help restore weakened vaginal walls.

Can lifestyle measures help?

For temporary symptoms or add-ons to any needed treatment, shifting your lifestyle habits can help minimize urinary incontinence symptoms. Avoid drinks with diuretic effects such as alcohol and caffeinated beverages, including coffee, energy drinks, sodas and most black teas. You may also benefit from avoiding large doses of vitamins B or C, highly spicy foods, such as hot peppers, sugary or acidic fruits and juices, such as pineapple and lemonade, and artificial sweeteners. To keep bladder leakage from disrupting your sleep, it’s a good idea to limit fluids near bedtime.