How to Talk to Your Gynecologist About Urinary Incontinence

Men tend to go to their urologist – sometimes almost treating them like their general practitioner rather than a specialist – and women similarly tend to go to their gynecologist for their medical needs. One of the more embarrassing topics people of both genders may need to discuss with a physician is urinary incontinence, and this issue can definitely be addressed for women by a gynecologist.

Many women endure urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. Women’s bodies go through an extremely challenging process when carrying a child, and often their bodies have difficulty recovering fully from pregnancy.

Since doctors rarely bring up the subject, it may be necessary for you to broach the topic with your doctor. Let’s discuss how to make this conversation as pleasant and efficient as possible.

WHEN SHOULD I ASK MY GYNECOLOGIST ABOUT INCONTINENCE?

While one or two incidents of urine leakage may be embarrassing, it is not a definitive sign of urinary incontinence. If the problem occurs with frequency, or it impacts your quality of life, then it is time to discuss it with your gynecologist.

Before your appointment, keep notes about the day and time of each instance of urinary leakage – including the amount (whether a little bit or a lot), frequency, and activities that may have caused the issue, like physical stress from lifting something.

SYMPTOMS OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

There are two common types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Stress incontinence happens when urine is lost while exerting pressure (stress) on the bladder, such as when lifting heavy objects, sneezing, or laughing. Any type of pressure or muscular contraction can cause leakage if a person has stress incontinence.

Urge incontinence, or overactive bladder, is a constant feeling of needing to urinate. The person with urge incontinence always feels like their bladder is full, even when it is not, and it often results in an accident before the woman can reach a bathroom.

There may also exist multiple symptoms from multiple types of urinary incontinence, resulting in a combination of types.

CAUSES OF SUDDEN URINE LOSS

Some women develop symptoms of urinary dysfunction after childbirth or while pregnant. Other women develop symptoms during menopause or from illnesses such as diabetes.

Additional causes include bladder cancers, urinary tract infections, obesity, and a C-section or pelvic floor surgery. Even if you believe you know the cause, it is important to discuss the issue with your gynecologist so you can receive proper treatment.

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IN WOOSTER, OHIO

The Wooster Community Hospital has a full staff of trained, approachable gynecologists and gynecological assistants who are very familiar with methods to retrain the bladder, medications that help some women with urinary incontinence, and surgical intervention to stop this embarrassing condition from interfering with your life anymore. Feel free to talk to our doctors about anything – we can help.

Call us today to schedule a consultation with our team at (330) 263-8144 or request an appointment online. Let us help you put an end to these embarrassing situations and enjoy a worry-free life again, once and for all.