Let’s Talk About Bladder Leaks—And How to Treat Them
If you’re dealing with bladder leaks, you are not alone. Millions of women of all ages experience urinary incontinence. While it’s common, it’s not something you have to live with.
Whether it happens when you laugh, sneeze, or suddenly feel like you have to go and can’t make it in time, the good news is: there are real solutions. A urogynecologist—a specialist in pelvic floor disorders—can help you find the right treatment for your needs.
What is a Urogynecologist?
A urogynecologists is a physician who has completed medical school, a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and fellowship training in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. Urogynecologists specialize in treating conditions such as bladder leakage, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse. If any of this sound familiar, a urogynecologist is the right specialist to consult.
Understanding the Types of Incontinence
There are several types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress Incontinence: Leakage occurs with physical activity, laughing, sneezing, or coughing.
- Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate, often resulting in leakage before reaching the bathroom.
- Mixed Incontinence: A combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
Identifying the type of incontinence is the first step toward effective, personalized treatment.
Treatment Options
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why working with a specialist is important. Common treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), avoiding bladder irritants (such as caffeine or acidic foods), and practicing timed voiding.
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Working with a trained therapist to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder.
- Medications: Certain prescriptions can help calm an overactive bladder or reduce urgency.
- Vaginal Inserts (Pessaries): Removable devices placed in the vagina to support the bladder and reduce leakage. These are low-maintenance and can be managed at home.
- Minimally Invasive Treatments: Options such as Botox injections for the bladder or gentle nerve stimulation therapies.
- Surgery: For some patients, minimally invasive surgical procedures can provide lasting relief.
You Deserve to Feel Confident
Bladder leaks do not define you, and they should not disrupt your life. Whether your symptoms are mild or more disruptive, there are effective options available. A compassionate urogynecology team will listen to your concerns and help you find the right solution.
If you’ve been putting this off, consider this your sign. Relief and confidence may be closer than you think. To learn more about your options, call 707-293-1110 or visit MyMarinHealth.org/Urogyn.
Dr. Sujatha Pathi is a board certified and fellowship-trained specialist in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. She sees patients at MarinHealth Urogynecology in Greenbrae, Novato, and Petaluma.
