BLADDER & BOWEL LEAKAGE

Urinary Incontinence Overview

The uncontrollable bladder leakage of urine under any circumstance is called urinary incontinence. It is common in women of all ages, but that does not make it any less challenging. Dealing with this condition can take an extreme mental toll and often hurts your self-confidence.

Dr. Samuels understands the challenge presented by living with this condition. That is why she is dedicated to providing the best treatment options for urinary incontinence in all of the Houston area. Her goal is for you to achieve the highest quality of life possible, and not to let leakage get in the way of living your life to its fullest. Dr. Samuels is the best urogynecologist Houston has and is ready to help you take back control over your body.

Bladder Leakage

If you are experiencing this condition, please know that you are not alone. Living with this condition can make you feel isolated or limited by your own body. And that is something we don’t want anyone to experience.

It is estimated that up to 70% of women in our community suffer from some form of urinary leakage. Fortunately, there are treatments available that may be able to help you. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Samuels works with you closely to find the cause of your symptoms. Then, she develops a personalized plan to treat them, designed to give you back control.

Different Types of Urinary Incontinence

The first step in treating urinary incontinence is to understand which type you are dealing with. Once the type is identified, then we can get to work on a plan to address it.

Stress Incontinence:

Occurs when there is increased pressure or weakness in the abdomen. This usually happens during sneezing, coughing, laughing, standing, walking, and running. And even during sex in some women.

Urge Incontinence:

Urine leaks because of hyperactive nerves or muscles in the bladder.

Mixed Incontinence:

A combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Overflow Incontinence:

Loss of urine due to the bladder not emptying all the way.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

Some patients may display only a single symptom, while others may have multiple. Your treatment plan will depend on which symptoms are present in your life.

Urgency: A strong need to empty the bladder. If delayed, this may lead to episodes of leaking.
Frequency: Urinating so often that it affects your quality of life
Nocturia: Urinating two or more times at night
Dysuria: Burning or irritation with urination
Enuresis: Bladder emptying in bed
Urinary retention: The inability to fully empty the bladder

Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence:

Some causes may go away on their own. Others might require various treatments ranging from medication changes to surgical correction. During your consultation, Dr. Samuels will work to develop the best means of treating your concerns.

Causes of urinary incontinence include:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Medications
Abnormal growths from the benign to the malignant, including stones, polyps, and tumors
Lack of support in the pelvic floor
Abnormalities in the urinary tract, such as a fistula
Hyperactive muscles or nerves in the bladder

Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence

To arrive at the most accurate diagnosis possible, Dr. Samuels will spend time taking a history and performing a physical. Each step will reveal just what treatments will prove most effective. It is not uncommon that testing may be necessary. Such tests may include:

Urodynamics
A urination diary
Ultrasound
Cystoscopy

Possible treatment ranges from lifestyle changes to pills or, in some cases, surgery. Which treatment will be right for you depends on three main factors. We look at:

Your type of incontinence
The cause of your incontinence
The severity of your symptoms

BOTOX:

Botox is a prescription medicine that can be injected into the bladder wall to help relax the bladder. You have likely heard of it as a means for treating facial wrinkles. But it has another use! When applied by a trained expert, Botox helps to reduce urgency, frequency, and incontinence episodes. This procedure is done in the office and is relatively quick.

Interstim:

The world’s first system that uses mild electrical pulses. With these pulses, Interstim stimulates the nerves that control the bladder and muscles related to urination. It helps the brain and nerves to communicate so the bladder can function properly.

It may be an option for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms or non-obstructive urinary retention. It can especially help those who have had other treatments not work.

Bowel or Anal Leakage

The uncontrollable leakage of gas, liquid, or solid stool out of the anus is known as bowel leakage. It usually occurs in women who have had childbirth injury, trauma, medications, or other illnesses. It is particularly difficult for women and can severely affect your quality of life.

Treatment Options for Bowel Incontinence

Dr. Samuels will take a history, perform tests, and learn about the full extent of your symptoms. With this knowledge, she can make the best treatment recommendation for you. Treatment options range from behavioral changes to Interstim or surgery. It all depends on your individual needs.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Your body should be a source of pride and joy. For many women, your feminine health can have a significant impact on both self-confidence and quality of life. Fortunately, there are many ways to address these concerns. By providing expert, compassionate care, Dr. Samuels can help you take control of your body once more. She strives to provide a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere every step of the way.

Start today and schedule a consultation to learn about the treatment options she provides. For the best urinary incontinence treatment in Houston, look no further. Call today to learn about additional treatment options to reach the essential you.