Urinary Incontinance

Urinary incontinence, the involuntary leakage of urine, is a common yet often under-discussed condition affecting both men and women. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing discomfort, embarrassment, and disruption to daily activities. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, especially for patients in Lufkin, TX, seeking help at the Texas Urological Clinic under the care of Dr. Shawn Todd, a highly skilled urologist with expertise in treating urinary conditions.


What Is Urinary Incontinence?


Urinary incontinence occurs when control over the urinary sphincter is weakened or lost, resulting in accidental urine leakage. This condition can range from occasional leaks when coughing or sneezing to a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. While it can happen to anyone, it is more prevalent in older adults, with women typically experiencing it more than men due to factors like pregnancy and menopause.


Causes of Urinary Incontinence


Urinary incontinence in women is often linked to the following causes:


⦁ Pregnancy and Childbirth: The strain of carrying a baby and the impact of childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress incontinence.
⦁ Menopause: Reduced estrogen levels during menopause can contribute to the weakening of bladder and urethra tissues, increasing the risk of incontinence.
⦁ Overactive Bladder (Urge Incontinence): This condition, characterized by a sudden and strong urge to urinate, can be caused by nerve signals misfiring between the bladder and brain, often exacerbated by conditions like diabetes or neurological disorders.


In men, urinary incontinence is frequently associated with:


⦁ Prostate Issues: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate can block urine flow, leading to overflow incontinence.
⦁ Post-Prostate Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as prostatectomy, can damage the muscles or nerves involved in bladder control.
⦁ Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis can affect the nerves that regulate bladder function.


Types of Urinary Incontinence


⦁ Stress Incontinence: Common in women, this occurs when physical activity like coughing, sneezing, or exercising puts pressure on the bladder, leading to leaks.
⦁ Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder): This form involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often caused by an overactive bladder muscle.
⦁ Overflow Incontinence: This happens when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to frequent dribbling. It is more common in men, particularly those with prostate problems.
⦁ Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence, frequently seen in women.


Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence


Common symptoms include:


⦁ Leaking urine during physical movements such as coughing, laughing, or lifting objects (stress incontinence).
⦁ Sudden, intense urges to urinate, often without sufficient warning (urge incontinence).
⦁ Frequent urination (more than eight times a day) or the need to urinate multiple times during the night (nocturia).
⦁ Inability to fully empty the bladder, leading to dribbling after urination (overflow incontinence).

Solutions for Urinary Incontinence

Dr. Shawn Todd at Texas Urological Clinic offers a range of treatment options for both men and women, depending on the type and severity of the incontinence.

Non-Surgical Treatments:


⦁ Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises): Strengthening the pelvic muscles can help both men and women manage stress incontinence. These exercises are particularly effective for women post-childbirth or during menopause.
⦁ Medications: For overactive bladder, medications such as anticholinergics can help reduce involuntary bladder contractions. Estrogen therapy may also be recommended for post-menopausal women to strengthen the bladder and urethra tissues.
⦁ Bladder Training: Techniques like scheduling bathroom visits and delaying urination can help manage symptoms of urge incontinence.
Surgical Treatments
⦁ Bladder Botox Injections: For overactive bladder, Botox can be injected into the bladder muscle to relax it, reducing episodes of urge incontinence.
⦁ Urethral Sling Procedures (for women): This surgery supports the urethra and helps reduce stress incontinence, particularly after childbirth.
⦁ InterStim Therapy: This implantable device sends electrical impulses to the bladder’s nerves to manage urge incontinence and overactive bladder. Both men and women can benefit from this treatment.
⦁ Prostate Surgery (for men): In men with an enlarged prostate, treatments like UroLift® can reduce symptoms of overflow incontinence by relieving pressure on the bladder.


Dr. Shawn Todd’s Expertise


Dr. Shawn Todd, the founder of Texas Urological Clinic in Lufkin, TX, has years of experience in treating urinary incontinence through both medical and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He is known for his compassionate approach, ensuring patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues like incontinence. His clinic offers advanced diagnostic tools, such as urodynamic testing and cystoscopy, to accurately diagnose bladder conditions and develop personalized treatment plans.


Dr. Todd’s comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives tailored care, whether that involves lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. His expertise in cutting-edge therapies like InterStim and bladder Botox, as well as his focus on pelvic health for women and prostate health for men, makes Texas Urological Clinic a leading center for urinary incontinence treatment in Lufkin.


If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence, know that you don’t have to suffer in silence. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can regain control of your bladder and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or prostate-related issues, Dr. Shawn Todd and his team at Texas Urological Clinic are here to help.


For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Texas Urological Clinic in Lufkin, TX ​(Texas Urological Clinic Dr. Shawn Todd)​(Texas Urological Clinic).

by Texas Urological Clinic

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