Incontinence is a common problem and not one you have to face alone.

Urinary incontinence is the leaking of urine from the bladder. There are different types of incontinence, and it may be caused by weakened muscles, muscle spasms or nerve damage. There may be an underlying condition causing these issues, such as diabetes, prostate issues or urinary tract infections. Whatever the cause, there are options available to help. In addition to the treatment options listed below, medication may be effective to reduce or stop leaking for certain conditions. Your urologist will work with you to determine the best treatment for your specific situation.

Bladder and Urethral Slings

For stress urinary incontinence your health care provider may recommend a sling surgery. We offer two different kinds of sling surgeries:

Pubovaginal sling surgery - A mesh sling made of artificial material is placed like a hammock under the bladder and urethra. The sling supports the bladder and urethra to keep them firmly in place. This helps keep the urethra closed to prevent urine leakage. This procedure takes about two hours.
Medurethral sling surgery - A mesh sling is placed under the urethra. When the tension of the tape is changed, urine should no longer leak. This procedure takes about one hour.

For these procedures, the surgeon makes two small incisions to place the sling. Like with any surgery, there are some risks and possible complications. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Botox Injection Therapy

This option involves injecting Botox into the bladder muscle to relax the muscles. This treatment may be recommended for urge incontinence or overactive bladder syndrome when other medicines have not been effective.

Neuromodulation

Sometimes incontinence is caused by nerve problems. This may be caused by diabetes, infections, accidents, stroke, spinal cord issues or other nerve-related conditions. In these situations, treatment may use electrical stimulation or chemical agents. This can help alter nerve activity and normalize tissue function.

Sacral nerve stimulation - This is a type of medical electrical stimulation therapy. It's used if the nerves that help you pass urine aren't working the right way. Before receiving this therapy your health care provider will do an evaluation or test procedure to see if it will work. This procedure stimulates the nerves in your bladder to help control when you urinate.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) - PTNS involves electrical stimulation of the nerves. This is another low-risk option that delivers electrical stimulation to the nerves that control your bladder. It can be used to treat urge incontinence and overactive bladder syndrome.

Urethral Implants (Bulking Agents)

If you have trouble holding your urine, it may be due to a weak muscle around the urethra. This muscle is called the sphincter. Urethral implants (bulking agents) are one way to help treat stress incontinence due to a weak sphincter. A bulking agent is injected into the walls of your urethra. This may help close the sphincter. It can help restore most or all of your control over urine flow. This procedure is often done in the hospital. There are no cuts or stitches needed. You will likely go home the same day.