Top 5 Questions To Ask Your Urologist About Urinary Incontinence

It can be difficult for many people to admit that they have urinary incontinence. However, it is crucial to seek help from a urologist if you are experiencing difficulty with controlling your bladder.

To prepare you for your visit with a urologist, we have put together a list of questions you can ask your doctor about your condition.

About Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a common condition in both men and women, especially amongst older individuals.

There are different types of urinary incontinence, typically defined by the cause or effects of the incontinence.

1. Stress incontinence — Involuntary urination when pressure is placed on the bladder. Causes include coughing, sneezing, or lifting something.
2. Urge incontinence  — Sudden and intense need to urinate, immediately followed by urination. It is typically the effect of a different health condition, such as diabetes.
3. Overflow incontinence — Urine leaks from the urethra involuntarily because the bladder does not empty.
4. Functional incontinence — A physical or mental problem that prevents the patient from controlling urination.
5. Coital incontinence — Urine loss during sexual intercourse.
6. Mixed incontinence — A combination of any of the above types.

Questions For Your Urologist

You may find yourself going down the rabbit hole on the internet for answers to your queries about incontinence. It is best to ask a urologist to clear up your concerns. Here are some of the most common questions about incontinence and the answers from top urologist Dr. Richard Natale in Louisville, KY.

1.   What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

You are probably wondering what the root of your incontinence is. The short answer is, there is no one cause—several factors come into play. These include:

• Age
• Weight
• Diet
• Medical history
• Family history
• Lifestyle

Some doctors also believe that incontinence is caused by injury to the external urinary sphincter. This muscle gives you the ability to control urination. However, there is also the belief that the urethra is the cause of urinary incontinence.

2.   Do I Have To Undergo Surgery To Cure My Incontinence?

Not necessarily. Many people suffer from an overactive bladder (OAB). OAB causes frequent urges to urinate and more trips to the bathroom than most people. In most cases, doctors are able to find non-surgical solutions to urinary incontinence. In some cases, the underlying cause of the problem may need to be addressed – sometimes through surgery.

3.   Is Incontinence A Warning Sign Of Other Illnesses?

Incontinence itself is not an illness but a symptom. For temporary incontinence, you need to make lifestyle changes. On the other hand, persistent incontinence can be caused by physical changes to your body, such as prostate enlargement. Neurological disorders can also be linked to urinary incontinence.

4.   How Can I Treat My Incontinence?

Depending on the type of urinary incontinence you have, as well as the underlying cause of it, you may need medication to control the condition. Common types of medication to treat incontinence include:

• Oxybutynin
• Tolterodine
• Darifenacin

Your doctor may also recommend several lifestyle changes to manage your incontinence. Consider eating and drinking healthier. Improve your diet by cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic foods. You should also exercise more regularly. However, it would be best to stick to light exercises that don’t involve lifting weights. Consult with a doctor to make sure you’re doing the appropriate exercises with the proper form.

5.   Can Incontinence Go Away Completely?

In most cases, incontinence is curable or at least manageable. Visit a urologist to dig into the factors causing your urinary incontinence. They will advise you on what you can do to control it, or better yet, cure it completely.

Top Urologist in Louisville, KY

Urinary incontinence is more common than you think. It is normal to feel embarrassed about having this issue, but you should not let that stop you from getting the help you need.

For urinary incontinence and other men’s health concerns, visit Carolina Urology Partners today! Our urologist, Dr. Richard Natale, is an expert in all things related to urology and men’s health.

If you have any questions about our men’s health services, don’t hesitate to call our office at (704) 786-5131 or (704) 784-4129. To schedule an appointment, you can call us or use our secure online appointment request form.