Urinary Incontinence

If you experience urine leaks at inopportune times and need symptom relief, visit Humanitas Primary Care, Esteban Hennings, MD, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A compassionate primary care physician, Dr. Hennings offers treatments for urinary incontinence to stop embarrassing leaks and restore your quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by phone or online today.

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a condition characterized by the loss of bladder control. It results due to various factors and may embarrass you when not addressed. If you experience inopportune leaking urine, help is within reach at Humanitas Primary Care. 

What are the different types of urinary incontinence?

Numerous forms of urinary incontinence exist, including:

Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence is a condition in which your bladder leaks urine when you exert pressure on it by sneezing, coughing, exercising, lifting something heavy, or laughing.

Overflow incontinence
If you have overflow incontinence, you leak urine when your bladder doesn’t empty completely after going to the bathroom.  

Urge incontinence
Urge incontinence causes a sudden, intense urge to urinate; leaking urine often results. 

Mixed incontinence
Mixed incontinence involves multiple forms of urinary incontinence appearing together, such as urge and stress incontinence. 

What may increase my risk of urinary incontinence?

Factors that may increase your risk of urinary incontinence include:

• Medical conditions
• Caffeine
• Alcohol 
• Certain foods
• Aging
• Weak bladder muscles
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Constipation 
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Menopause in women
• Enlarged prostate in men
• Urinary tract tumors
• Neurological disorders
• Carrying excess weight
• Family history of urinary incontinence
• Smoking

Women are more likely than men to have urinary incontinence. When left untreated, the condition can cause skin irritation and embarrassment in social situations.

Ways to reduce your risk of urinary incontinence include maintaining an ideal weight, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and other bladder irritants, eating nutritious foods, and not smoking.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

To diagnose urinary incontinence and its underlying cause, Dr. Hennings discusses your symptoms, lifestyle, medications, and medical history. 

He completes a physical exam and often urinalysis to check for infections or other abnormalities. You may undergo additional bladder tests if necessary.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

Treating urinary incontinence often involves making lifestyle changes and taking medications or undergoing medical treatments. 

You might complete bladder training, do pelvic floor exercises, drink less fluids, and make dietary changes. Medications also help reduce the bothersome effects associated with urinary incontinence. Additional treatments include electrical stimulation, injections, and medical devices. If you need surgery, Dr. Hennings offers referrals. 

Schedule an evaluation at Humanitas Primary Care, Esteban Hennings, MD, by phone or request one online today to get treated for urinary incontinence.