If you are dealing with some degree of urinary incontinence, you're not alone as this is a common issue. At Greater Austin Urology in Austin, TX, Dr. Lucas Jacomides helps patients successfully cope with their urinary incontinence symptoms so they feel better and have more active lifestyles.

Why Urinary Incontinence occurs

There are a variety of causes. Some urinary incontinence is age-related. For women, menopause weakens the pelvic floor muscles that provide support for the bladder, uterus, and vagina. This reduced support can lead to stress incontinence with lifting, sneezing, coughing, and even laughing.

Overactive bladder, or OAB, affects both men and women. People with this nerve-related urological condition have frequent episodes of urgency and constantly scope out public venues for the nearest restrooms. Also, they wake several times a night needing to urinate.

Some lifestyle habits contribute to urinary incontinence and urgency. These habits include:

• Poor control of body weight
• Excessive alcohol and caffeine intake
• Smoking
• Certain prescription medications

Treating urinary incontinence

Dr. Jacomides knows that urinary incontinence is a private and sensitive issue. However, he assures his patients that incontinence is manageable.

A common strategy is a program of easy Kegel exercises. Performed in the privacy of your own home three times a day, Kegel exercises involve simple contraction and relaxation of pelvic floor muscles. Over time, the muscles become stronger and give better support to the bladder.

Other interventions include:

• Medication
• Diet management
• Treatment of UTIs with antibiotics
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Surgery

Find out more

If you are dealing with urinary incontinence, the professional team at Greater Austin Urology in Austin, TX can help. Call today for a consultation with Dr. Jacomides: (512) 540-3937.

Find out the treatment options we offer for handling bladder control issues.

Experiencing problems with bladder control is very common and there are many things that could be causing this issue. According to a recent U.S. survey, the National Poll on Healthy Aging report, “43% of 50- to 64-year-olds said they suffered from incontinence, as did 51% of those 65 and older.”  Some people only notice mild occurrences, while others may experience sudden and intense urges to go to the bathroom that disrupt their day. While urinary incontinence, to some degree, is common as we get older, it’s important to know when this issue warrants a trip to see urologist Dr. Lucas Jacomides at Greater Austin Urology in Austin, TX.

Did you know that there are different kinds of urinary incontinence? While the occasional small leak is more common, others may notice more urine loss than usual, which can be a sign that something is wrong. Types of urinary incontinence include:

• Stress-induced: episodes triggered by coughing, sneezing, laughing, and exercise
• Urge: The intense need to urinate or urge to urinate may also be followed by a leak.
• Overflow: If your bladder doesn’t fully empty, this could lead to urinary leakage.
• Functional: Sometimes everything is working properly within the bladder, but unfortunately certain physical impairments make it challenging to get to the bathroom in time, which leads to loss of bladder control.
• Mixed: This happens if you experience more than one type of urinary incontinence.

Should I see a doctor?

Of the women who participated in the recent U.S. survey, "nearly half of women over age 50 report bladder leakage and many say it’s a major problem for them, yet two-thirds of the women who experience leakage haven’t spoken to a doctor about the problem.”  If you are like them, you may feel like it isn't a big problem or may be embarrassed about bringing it up. While we know that no one likes talking about issues such as this one, it’s important to understand that this is a common issue among older women and that this doctor has heard it all before. Plus, if you are dealing with any changes in your bowel habits, it’s important that you visit our Austin urology specialist to find out what might be going on. While not usually serious, there can be a serious reason why this is happening, so it’s important to have the issue addressed. 

What could be causing my urinary incontinence?

This symptom can be brought on by either temporary or permanent factors.

Temporary factors include:

• Consuming certain foods and drinks (e.g., alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods)
• Urinary tract infection
• Constipation

Persistent factors include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Age
• Enlarged prostate
• Prostate cancer
• Hysterectomy
• Menopause
• Neurological disorders

How is urinary incontinence treated?

How we treat the issue will really depend on the cause of your urinary leakage. Sometimes several treatments will be recommended. These include: 

• Behavioral therapy (e.g., bladder training, diet management)
• Pelvic floor exercises (to strengthen pelvic floor muscles)
• Medication
• Medical devices
• Surgery

We will talk with you during your evaluation of your treatment options so you can make the most informed decision regarding your care.

Are you dealing with urinary incontinence or other bladder issues? If so, then it’s time you got some answers. You shouldn't have to feel restricted due to this condition. Call Dr. Lucas Jacomides at Greater Austin Urology in Austin, TX at (512) 540-3937 today to schedule an evaluation.

Does urinary incontinence keep you from doing the things you really want to do? When you're constantly worried about urine leakage or accidents it's difficult to truly enjoy life. Luckily, an array of effective treatments can control urgency, leaks, and accidents. At Greater Austin Urology, Dr. Lucas Jacomides, provides several treatment options.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Your symptoms may be due to overactive bladder, overflow incontinence or stress urinary incontinence. If you have overactive bladder, your brain decides that you need to empty your bladder even if it's not full, triggering an urgent need to visit the restroom.

Overflow incontinence occurs when you begin to leak urine due to bladder fullness or overproduction of urine. The condition can occur due to weak bladder muscles, nerve damage, a blockage in your urethra, an enlarged prostate gland, or if you've had prostate surgery.

Do you leak urine when you sneeze, laugh, or bend? You may have stress urinary incontinence. The condition is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles and may be more likely to occur if you're obese, have a urinary tract infection or have been pregnant or had a child.

What can I do about urinary incontinence?

We can offer a variety of treatment options when you visit our Austin office. Although treatment depends on the cause of your condition, it may include:

• Bladder training to help you lengthen the time between restroom visits
• Kegel exercises to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles
• Medications to reduce urges, calm your overactive bladder, make emptying the bladder easier, or relax the bladder, allowing it to hold more urine
• Pessaries, devices inserted into the vagina that supports the bladder and reduce leakage
• Botox injections to treat overactive bladder if other treatment options aren't effective
• Sling surgery to support the bladder and keep the urethra closed when you move if you have stress urinary incontinence
• Other types of surgery to support the urethra and bladder neck or implant a ring around the neck of the bladder to prevent leakage in men

Would you like to finally find relief for your urinary incontinence symptoms? Call Dr. Lucas Jacomides at Greater Austin Urology in Austin, TX at (512) 540-3937 to schedule your appointment.