Female Incontinence Is More Common Than You Think, and We Have Solutions

Because we don’t talk openly about urinary incontinence (UI), it can make you feel like you’re the only person who suffers from it. You may feel embarrassed, ashamed, and alone. The truth is that you’re far from alone - it’s estimated that more than 17 million people in the US experience some sort of issues with controlling their bladder.

A third of women over 45 and half of women over 65 are thought to have some form of UI, so if you have bladder control issues, you’re in good company. Dr. Darin L. Weyhrich wants you to feel less alone, but he also wants you to feel more in control of your bladder issues.

Dr. Weyhrich specializes in women’s health issues and has helped many women in Boise, Idaho and the surrounding areas to manage their continence with a variety of treatments that could help you, too.

Diagnosing your UI

The first step in Dr. Weyhrich’s treatment plan is to assess you and find out what type of incontinence you're dealing with and what’s causing it. He starts by taking a detailed history of the type of symptoms you’re experiencing and when. He also takes your gynecological history and general health.

Different factors might explain why you're experiencing incontinence, like how many pregnancies and vaginal deliveries you have had, whether you're a smoker, your lifestyle and activity levels, or whether you have gone through the menopause.

Dr. Weyhrich examines you thoroughly and may perform a urinalysis or a range of tests to find out what’s causing your UI.

Types of UI

Dr. Weyhrich may diagnose you with one type of UI or a combination. His treatment plan for you depends on which type of UI you have and what’s causing it.

Urge Incontinence

This type of UI is signified by a sudden and strong urge to pee “right now” with little to no warning. If you don’t get to the toilet right away, you can lose some urine. This type of incontinence can be caused by overactive bladder or certain neurological conditions - the cause will have to be investigated.

Stress Incontinence

This is the most common form of UI. If you leak some urine when you run, jump, bend, cough, sneeze or laugh, you're experiencing stress incontinence. It’s pretty much what it sounds like - urine leakage when the bladder is put under stress of excess pressure.

The cause of stress incontinence is usually weak sphincter muscles, an overall weak pelvic floor, or pelvic organ prolapse. These conditions are quite common and can result from pregnancy and childbirth, being overweight, chronic cough, long-term intense exercise, or laxity in the pelvic floor muscles caused by loss of estrogen after menopause.

The best treatment plan for you

Dr. Weyhrich takes great care to assess the best treatment to solve your UI issues.

For urge incontinence, this can include physical therapy and medication to control the bladder spasms responsible for strong urges to void. Diet and lifestyle changes can also reduce irritation and inflammation in your bladder and urethra, reducing symptoms.

For stress incontinence, Dr. Weyhrich recommends physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that control your bladder. If your bladder has dropped, known as bladder prolapse or cystocele, Dr. Weyhrich suggests and performs bladder sling surgery to support your bladder and help you regain your continence.

Whatever the nature or cause of your UI, Dr. Weyhrich has a treatment plan to get you back to enjoying your regular activities and lifestyle. If you're ready to remove the worry about leaking and where the nearest restroom is at all times, call the Boise, Idaho office today.