Urinary leakage can happen at the most unexpected moments—whether you are laughing during a school play, sneezing on the tennis court, or simply going about your daily routine. It’s a common issue that affects millions of Americans, and while it can feel embarrassing, you’re not alone.
Over time, this condition might lead you to avoid social gatherings or carefully plan your outings based on bathroom availability.
Simply put, urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine that you can’t control. While discussing it may feel uncomfortable or awkward, there is good news. Urinary incontinence isn’t a disease, and with the right treatment, it’s often manageable and even treatable.
Collaborating with a doctor can regain control of your bladder, improve your quality of life, and regain confidence in your daily activities.
It’s natural to have questions about your condition and what steps to take before seeking treatment. Understanding the causes and options available to you is essential. We’ve compiled clear, researched answers to common questions to help you make informed decisions.
Remember, asking questions is the first step toward getting the right care and improving your quality of life.
Urinary incontinence can be a sensitive and sometimes overwhelming issue, but knowing you're not alone is essential to changing your story. Many people experience bladder control problems, and our expert team is here to provide the support and information you need to live confidently in your body.
Below are some of the most frequent questions patients ask about urinary incontinence, along with clear, helpful answers to guide you on your journey to better health. Knowledge is power, and we encourage you to reach out with any additional concerns.
Start by talking to your doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. At St. Joseph’s/Candler, our specialized physicians have successfully helped countless patients regain control and enjoy life without worrying about leaks. We want you to feel confident laughing, living and staying active again.
Pregnancy and childbirth (including C-sections) can weaken pelvic muscles, leading to urinary leakage over time. Men with prostate issues or other health conditions can also experience incontinence. Other factors include diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and smoking.
After a referral, our center will perform a thorough evaluation, which may involve tests like urinalysis, blood work, and urodynamics. These tests help pinpoint the cause of your incontinence and guide the most effective treatment options.
Get a referral from your doctor to address these conditions. Our team is ready to help you reclaim your life as soon as possible.
Despite how urinary incontinence can make you feel, you are not out of control. Making small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce or even eliminate your symptoms.
Based on decades of excellent medical practice and research, we have recommendations for making your life easier as you seek treatment.
Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen muscles and reduce leakage. Consult your doctor to learn proper techniques and be patient—results may take a few months. Consider switching from high-impact exercises that strain your pelvic muscles to low-impact options like Pilates, which also strengthens your core.
Avoid foods like spicy dishes and citrus, as they can irritate your bladder. If constipation is an issue, increase your fiber intake, as it relieves pelvic pressure that can contribute to leakage.
Smoking strains your pelvic muscles, especially if you have a smoker’s cough. Quitting smoking helps reduce this strain and provides overall health benefits. Your doctor can recommend the best cessation plan for you.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, drinking water is essential for proper bladder function. Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they irritate the bladder and increase the risk of leakage. Instead, enjoy your next social event with water in hand, which will keep your bladder happy.
Excess weight can place pressure on your bladder, contributing to incontinence. Changes like regular walking, smaller meal portions, and cutting back on fast food can help you shed a few pounds and reduce symptoms.
Our center offers one-on-one pelvic physical therapy sessions with a specialist. These personalized programs strengthen pelvic muscles and can reduce the need for medications or surgery.
If you are experiencing urinary symptoms, various medical procedures may help alleviate your discomfort. Here are some options that your physician may recommend:
For men, a urethral sling may be suggested to support the urethra, the duct through which urine flows. This procedure involves surgically placing a sling around the urethra to lift it back into its proper position, improving urine retention. The sling can be made from:
Muscle, ligament, or tendon taken from your body and attached to the abdominal wall.
Biocompatible materials that integrate well with your body.
Materials that gradually disintegrate over time.
This procedure is suitable for both men and women and involves injecting bulking agents around the urethra. The goal is to:
Increase the thickness of the urethra's wall, ensuring it seals tightly to hold back urine.
The bulking material is typically injected just outside the muscle of the urethra at the bladder outlet.
Small nerve stimulators can be placed beneath the skin to provide gentle pulses that stimulate the nerves, aiding in controlling bladder contractions. This therapy helps improve pelvic floor muscle function and bladder control.
It is important to discuss these options with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Starting a treatment plan early can significantly improve your outcomes. You don’t have to suffer in silence—let us help you take the next step toward better health today.
At the St. Joseph's/Candler Pelvic Floor & Continence Center, we understand that pelvic health issues, like urinary or bowel incontinence and pelvic pain, can be devastating for you and your family. You are not alone in this struggle — and these conditions are highly treatable. Our specialized team is here to provide outstanding and discreet care to help you reclaim control over your life.
If you are concerned about urinary incontinence problems, see us at the Pelvic Floor & Continence Center. With the best team, the highest quality research and decades of experience, we will empower you to live the best life possible – confidently on your terms.
5354 Reynolds Street, Suite 318
Professional Office Building
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: 912-819-4870
Fax: 912-819-4821
