Hinsdale & Oak Brook Women's Clinic - Urogynecology - Willowbrook, IL

Patient Education: Incontinence

What is Incontinence:

Urinary incontinence is the inability to stop urine leakage. It can be slight or severe and may interfere with enjoying a .full and active lifestyle. It is not a normal part of aging but may be the result of diet, lack of muscle tone or control, childbirth, trauma or other medical problem.

Urinary incontinence occurs when any part of the urinary system fails to function. This may occur in both men and women. Women are more likely to develop incontinence due to their internal organ structure. Pregnancy, childbirth, and decreased levels of estrogen can contribute to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. This may cause the organs such as the bladder, urethra and uterus to shift out of place (prolapse).

Incontinence affects millions of women at all ages. Loss of bladder control is very common. In the elderly it is a major contributor to falls which may result in bone fractures. It is important to diagnose and treat incontinence to avoid further complications and regain an improved duality of life.

Treatment options vary depending on the type of incontinence. A complete medical examination including bladder function studies may be necessary to determine the cause and effective treatment.

Types of Incontinence:

There are several different types of incontinence which differ based on symptoms. A person may have one or more types of incontinence concurrently.

Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder;)

Sudden need to go to the bathroom, often resulting in accidental wetting. Frequently wake during the night to urinate,
Need to urinate frequently-every 2 hours.
Weakness in the bladder. Fluid intake seems to cause urination out of proportion to the amount you actually drank.
May wet the bed at night.

Stress Incontinence

Leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or lift
Go to the bathroom more frequently in order to avoid accidents
Avoid exercise because you are afraid it may cause leakage
Sleep through the night but leak upon getting up from bed
Sometimes leak when getting out of a chair.

Overflow Incontinence

Get up frequently during the night to urinate
Take a long time to urinate
Have a weak, dribbling stream with no force
Urinate small amounts and not feel completely empty afterward
Dribble urine throughout the day
Feel the urge to urinate, but sometimes cannot.

Mixed Incontinence

A combination of one or more of the above types of incontinence.

The Chicago Incontinence Center for Women offers complete diagnostic and treatment services for female incontinence.