Urinary incontinence affects millions of women, yet many never bring it up with their doctor.
In this episode of the FirstHealth and Wellness Podcast, Dr. Will Stone, a urogynecologist with FirstHealth, sat down to chat about what urinary incontinence is, why it happens and how it can be treated.
What is urinary incontinence, and how common is it?
Dr. Stone: Urinary incontinence includes leakage, urgency, frequency or difficulty making it to the restroom in time. Depending on how it’s defined, studies suggest 60 to 70% of women experience it at some point.
Daily leakage affects fewer women, but many symptoms go unreported simply because they’re not talked about.
Why are women more affected than men?
Women experience incontinence more often due to anatomy, pregnancy, childbirth and hormonal changes during menopause. A shorter urethra, weakening pelvic support and loss of estrogen over time all increase risk.
Men may experience incontinence later in life, often related to prostate issues.
What’s the difference between stress and urge incontinence?
Stress incontinence occurs with physical pressure like coughing, laughing or exercising. It is usually caused by weakened support under the urethra.
Urge incontinence is related to bladder or nerve signaling issues, causing a sudden, strong need to urinate.
Many women experience mixed incontinence, which includes features of both.
What are common risk factors for urinary incontinence?
Risk factors include pregnancy, childbirth history, menopause, obesity, family history, smoking, and bladder irritants such as caffeine and carbonated beverages. Fluid intake can also play a role: more isn’t always better.
Why do so many women avoid talking about incontinence?
A common misconception is that leakage is “normal” after childbirth or aging. This belief minimizes symptoms and keeps women from seeking care. Asking direct, judgment-free questions and normalizing the conversation are key to removing stigma.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment is based on the type of incontinence and patient preference and may include:
- Lifestyle and dietary changes
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Pessaries and urethral support devices
- Medications
- Bladder Botox injections
- Nerve stimulation therapies
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures, including slings and bulking agents
FirstHealth Urogynecology offers both conservative and advanced treatments available at major medical centers nationwide.
What’s the takeaway for patients experiencing symptoms?
Urinary incontinence is common, treatable and nothing to be embarrassed about. If symptoms affect quality of life, help is available and often life-changing. To learn more about urinary incontinence care, visit FirstHealth.org/Urogynecology
