Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence — the involuntary leakage of urine — is one of the most common but least talked-about health concerns for women. Many women believe bladder leakage is a “normal” part of aging or something they must simply live with. The truth is: urinary incontinence is common, but it is not normal, and it can be treated.
If you live in the Oklahoma City area and struggle with bladder leakage, you’re not alone — and expert care is available.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence happens when the muscles and nerves that control the bladder are not working properly. This can cause urine to leak during everyday activities such as laughing, coughing, exercising, or even while sleeping.
Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women
- Stress Incontinence – Leakage during physical activities that increase abdominal pressure (coughing, sneezing, lifting, exercise).
- Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder) – A sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by leakage, often with frequent bathroom visits (day and night).
- Mixed Incontinence – A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow Incontinence – Leakage caused by incomplete bladder emptying.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to urinary incontinence in women, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause and hormonal changes
- Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles
- Obesity
- Certain medications
- Chronic coughing or constipation
- Neurologic conditions (less common)
Symptoms to Watch For
- Leaking urine when laughing, sneezing, or exercising
- Strong, sudden urges to urinate
- Going to the bathroom frequently (more than 8 times in 24 hours)
- Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
- Feeling that your bladder doesn’t empty completely
If you’re experiencing any of these, you’re not alone — and help is available.
Diagnosis
Your urologist will take a thorough history, perform a physical exam, and may recommend tests such as:
- Urine testing
- Bladder diaries
- Urodynamic testing (to see how the bladder functions)
- Pelvic exam, if needed
Treatment Options for Women
Urinary incontinence is highly treatable, and treatments are tailored to your specific type and severity:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Limiting bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners)
- Managing weight and blood sugar
- Timed voiding or bladder training
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Kegel exercises
- Physical therapy with biofeedback
- Medications
- Especially useful for urge incontinence (overactive bladder)
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Urethral bulking agents (Bulkamid)
- Botox® for overactive bladder
- Nerve stimulation therapies
- Sling procedures for stress incontinence
When to See a Urologist
If urinary leakage is affecting your daily life, confidence, or sleep, it’s time to seek help. Many women delay treatment for years, but earlier care can prevent symptoms from worsening and restore quality of life.
Key Takeaway
You don’t have to live with urinary incontinence. With the right evaluation and personalized treatment plan, most women see significant improvement — and many achieve complete resolution of their symptoms.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Use of this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. If you have a medical concern, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.