Although urinary incontinence can be embarrassing, it’s a common condition that can impact the quality of life for many women in the USA. At Women’s Health Center of Chicago, Dr. Adeeb AlShahrour, MD, FACOG, provides expert and compassionate care for all incontinence issues. If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, don’t hesitate to contact our offices in Chicago or Bridgeview, Illinois, or use our convenient online tool to book your appointment and start receiving the care you deserve.

Table of Contents

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence, also known as involuntary urination, is a condition where you lose control of your bladder or experience constant, involuntary urine leakage.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

The main symptom of urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine, and the way this leakage occurs depends on the type of incontinence you have.

Types of Urinary Incontinence and Their Symptoms

Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type, where urine leaks due to physical pressure on your bladder and the muscles controlling urine.

Urge Incontinence

Also known as overactive bladder, urge incontinence causes a sudden, involuntary urge to urinate, even when your bladder isn’t full.

Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge urinary incontinence experienced simultaneously.

Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence occurs when your bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to unexpected leakage. It can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Addressing Urinary Incontinence

While some may consider urinary incontinence a normal part of aging, it can indicate underlying issues that require attention. At Women’s Health Center of Chicago, we offer personalized care and treatment options tailored to your needs.

Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence

Your doctor at Women’s Health Center of Chicago will perform a thorough physical and pelvic exam, along with medical history questions, to determine the cause of your incontinence. Treatment options may include medication adjustments, disease management, or surgical procedures if needed.

Don’t Suffer in Silence

If you’re dealing with any type of urinary incontinence, you don’t have to endure it alone. Reach out to Women’s Health Center of Chicago today for expert help. Book an appointment online or call +1 773 661 90 49 to receive compassionate care from Dr. Adeeb AlShahrour.

FAQ

Urinary incontinence can be caused by various factors, including weak pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, obesity, urinary tract infections, and certain neurological conditions. It's essential to identify the underlying cause to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Yes, childbirth can contribute to urinary incontinence. Vaginal childbirth, especially multiple births or prolonged pushing during delivery, can put stress on the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, leading to weakened bladder control. However, it's important to note that not all women who give birth experience urinary incontinence.

While it may not always be preventable, there are measures that can help reduce the risk or severity of urinary incontinence. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can contribute to better bladder control and potentially reduce the risk of urinary incontinence.

Yes, several lifestyle changes can help manage urinary incontinence. These include practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding constipation, and adopting a regular toilet schedule.

In many cases, urinary incontinence can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments, such as lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications. However, for some individuals with severe or persistent incontinence, surgical options may be considered. The need for surgical treatment will depend on the specific condition and the individual's response to conservative therapies.

Urinary incontinence is relatively common in women, especially as they age. It affects women of all ages but becomes more prevalent in the elderly. The exact prevalence can vary, but it's estimated that millions of women in the USA experience urinary incontinence to some degree. If you're experiencing urinary incontinence, don't hesitate to seek help and support from healthcare professionals like Dr. Adeeb AlShahrour at Women's Health Center of Chicago.

Women’s Health Center of Chicago – Expert Care for Urinary Incontinence in Women