While it is quite common, urinary incontinence is an embarrassing problem that can appear out of nowhere. While there are many causes and types of incontinence, there are also a robust number of treatment options. For the most effective and least invasive care for incontinence available today, visit Floyd Seskin, MD, at Seskin Urology in Aventura, Florida. Call the office to make an appointment.

Incontinence Q & A

What is incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a common problem where you are unable to control your bladder (the involuntary loss of urine). Urinary incontinence becomes much more common as you age in both men and women, but it can be avoided. If urinary incontinence is a problem for you on a regular basis, Dr. Seskin can offer you a variety of treatment options.

What types of incontinence are there?

Incontinence can occur in many forms, including:

Stress incontinence

Stress on your bladder or urinary tract can cause urine to leak, especially when you laugh, sneeze, exercise, or strain to lift something heavy.

Urge incontinence

This feels like a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate, often followed quickly by urination. You may feel these urges multiple times throughout the night, making sleep impossible. Urge incontinence is sometimes caused by infections.

Overflow incontinence

If your bladder can’t empty completely, you may experience a frequent or constant dripping of urine.

Mixed incontinence

Mixed incontinence is when you experience a mix of several types of incontinence at once.

What should I avoid if I suffer from incontinence?

Certain foods, beverages, and medications can make incontinence worse in the short term or trigger it by acting as diuretics, including:

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

• Carbonated drinks

• Sedatives, muscle relaxants, and medications for heart disease

Short-term urinary incontinence can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection.

What causes incontinence?

Incontinence is a symptom, not a disease in and of itself. Many things can cause incontinence, including:

• Pregnancy or childbirth

• Aging

• Menopause

• Hysterectomy

• Enlarged prostate or prostate cancer

• An obstruction of the urinary tract

• Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease

Certain groups of people, such as women, the elderly, and overweight individuals can be especially susceptible to incontinence, and certain risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, can also play a role.

How is incontinence treated?

Incontinence has a variety of treatment options depending on the cause, type, and severity of incontinence you experience. Medications can help relax your bladder so it can hold more urine. Furthermore, implants can be installed to help control the flow of urine, and Botox® injections can also help relax your bladder. There are also exercises you can perform at home to help with bladder control.

For more information on how you can treat your urinary incontinence, book an appointment over the phone with Seskin Urology today.

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