Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
John P. Brizzolara, M.D. Urologist
“I suffer from urinary leakage. I have read that knowing the type I suffer from can help my physician determine the correct treatment. Can you help?” Answer: About 25-30% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of incontinence. There are 3 main categories of urinary incontinence.
Urge incontinence is the most common and is characterized by the sudden urge to urinate and being unable to get to a bathroom in time before the leakage occurs. It is primarily treated with oral medication. If medication is not effective, working with a physical therapist who specializes in conditions of the pelvis is an excellent option. Patients who do not have improvement with either option can receive excellent results from the use of Botox in the bladder or a technology known as sacral nerve stimulation.
Stress incontinence is the second type. Characterized by the sudden loss of urine when an individual coughs, laughs, sneezes, or puts any type of pressure on their abdomen. This type is first treated by strengthening the muscles in the pelvis by doing “Kegel” exercises and/ or working with a physical therapist. Another option is a minor surgical procedure known as a urethral sling that reestablishes support in the pelvis and is effective in 98% of individuals.
Mixed incontinence is the third type and is a combination of urge and stress incontinence. Individuals who suffer from mixed incontinence will see improvement with the same treatments that apply to urge incontinence. Occasionally a combination of urge and stress incontinence treatments is required.