patient education > medical procedures and conditions > incontinence

Incontinence (bladder control)

Loss of bladder control affects at least one of every 10 adults. Half of all women experience urinary incontinence (the accidental loss of urine) at some point in their lives. Although it is more common in women, children and men also experience urinary incontinence.

Incontinence may be the result of pelvic muscles weakened from childbirth, stroke, diabetes, bladder infection, side effects of medication, prior surgery or radiation treatments.
The problem is all around us, yet almost no one talks about it. Even fewer seek the treatments that can help them.

At Urology Associates of Danbury, P.C., expert help is available to improve the quality of life for those with bladder control problems. Our patients have the unique opportunity to be evaluated by experts in treating all aspects of male and female urinary incontinence in individuals of all ages.

The goal of our program is to help you stay drier, reduce the need for protection and help with urgency and pelvic floor problems using a full range of "state-of the-art" treatment options, which will improve the quality of life for those individuals with bladder control problems.

Incontinence is a common problem for many people, but the good news is that there is help!

You may feel you are the only person with this problem. However, in the United States, approximately 13 million people suffer from some form of incontinence. We would like you to know that incontinence not a normal part of aging. It is important to remember that while millions suffer from incontinence – urine loss can often be improved or cured.

A patient’s quality of life can be severely impacted by incontinence. Incontinence can lead to exhaustion because of interruption of sleep, make travel or physical activity such as exercising uncomfortable or even impossible and in some cases lead to social isolation. In short, incontinence can keep you from enjoying a full life.

Many people with urinary incontinence wait over a year to speak with their health care provider either because of embarrassment or because they are unaware help is available. Understanding the problem and seeking medical help are the first steps in gaining control. We are here to help.

Once incontinence has been diagnosed, treatment can begin. We offer several types of treatment at Urology Associates of Danbury and your physician will be sure to discuss the option that he feels will work best for you. We have listed below, some of our comprehensive treatment options.

• Surgical Treatment – There are various surgical procedures as well as minimally invasive surgery and collagen injections available if necessary. Click here for more information about options for surgical treatment.
  
  
• Medication – Certain drugs are available which can tighten or strengthen urethal and pelvic floor muscles. Other medications are available to calm overactive bladders.
  
  
• Behavioral modification – This method includes bladder training to manage leakage, including a voiding schedule and help with techniques to reduce frequency.
  
  
• Dietary modification – Fluid and dietary management plans because sometimes a simple change in diet or elimination of certain beverages can help incontinence.
  
  
• Biofeedback Training – This is a conservative therapy used to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. A small sensor is placed in the vagina or rectum. During biofeedback therapy, patients are taught to isolate and exercise their pelvic muscles. Our state of the art equipment allows these muscles to be monitored painlessly by computer.

If incontinence is affecting your life, please contact your health care provider or our office to arrange to speak to a physician. Remember, there is help available!