Urinary Incontinence
-
- Tweet
Umaima Jamaluddin, MD, FACOG
Gynecologist & Obstetrician located in Bakersfield, CA
Urinary continence is an embarrassing problem that affects millions of women in the United States, and it’s especially common in women who’ve had children. Dr. Umaima Jamaluddin understands the stress you face every day as a result of urinary incontinence and offers a range of treatments in Bakersfield, California: everything from medications to surgery. Whether you suffer from occasional incontinence or frequent bladder leakage, call her office or use the online scheduling tool today to book an appointment.
Urinary Incontinence Q & A
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (UI) is when urine leaks out before you can get to the bathroom. Some women experience minor leakage, while others experience a strong, sudden urge preceded by an intense flow of urine.
If you have urge incontinence, you feel a strong urge and an involuntary loss of urine that could arise from infection, diabetes, or a neurological condition. Another type of incontinence is overflow incontinence, which is when you frequently or continuously dribble urine as a result of the bladder not emptying completely. Stress incontinence occurs when you place pressure on the bladder.
What causes urinary incontinence?
Constipation or certain foods and beverages like alcohol, chili peppers, or caffeine can cause occasional urinary incontinence. Pregnancy and childbirth contribute to urinary incontinence, and so does your age. Other possible causes of female urinary incontinence include:
- Menopause
- Hysterectomy
- Enlarged prostate
- Spinal injury
- Stroke
How does a gynecologist determine the cause of urinary incontinence?
The first step is acquiring a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam. Dr. Jamaluddin asks about your urine output and what triggers your incontinence. She may also order a collect a urine sample to test for signs of an infection.
She might request that you keep track of how much you drink, the amount of urine you’re outputting, and how many incontinent episodes you had. She might also conduct a urodynamic test that includes measuring how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding.
How does a gynecologist treat urinary incontinence?
The process starts with a consultation in Dr. Jamaluddin’s office. First, she recommends home treatments such as Kegels and diet changes. She might also prescribe a medication like oxybutynin if an overactive bladder plays a role. These drugs reduce bladder contractions, so you don’t feel like you have to go as frequently.
She may use MonaLisa TouchⓇ, a heat-energy procedure to stimulate healing and reduce incontinence. In more severe cases, she uses a bladder lift: A surgical treatment she performs at Memorial Hospital which consists of placing a surgical-grade mesh underneath the bladder.
Stop the embarrassment of urinary incontinence by making a simple call or using the online form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamaluddin today.
