Urinary Incontinence
One Agora Integrative Health Clinic in Bloomington, MN

Urinary Incontinence is a completely normal – and treatable – health condition. Various factors trigger it, and certain treatment options will work for some, but not for others, because the causes vary so widely. Incontinence can result from UTIs, vaginal infections, or even constipation. Medication side effects can cause it, or it might be due to weak pelvic floor muscles, a weak bladder or related to hormone imbalances.

It’s essential to understand what is at the root of your Urinary Incontinence, and not just suffer silently. Many people are too embarrassed to discuss their condition – and sometimes even avoid treatment. If you avoid treating Urinary Incontinence, it can lead to complications like recurring UTIs or upper urinary tract damage. Urinary Incontinence can also be a clue you might be suffering other, more serious conditions that require treatment – ranging from a UTI to diabetes or even cancer.

To get evaluated and begin treatment today, compile your list of symptoms and call One Agora at (952) 234-5898 or contact us online.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary Incontinence is a common medical condition involving the involuntary loss of bladder control - whether it is a slight leak when laughing or sneezing, or an unexpected, sudden, urgent need to urinate that causes you to void the entire contents of your bladder. Some people are completely unaware that they are leaking urine while walking, sitting or sleeping - until they experience a sensation of warmth or wetness. The experience of Urinary Incontinence can vary widely, as can its causes.

Risk Factors and Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence can develop in any ethnicity or gender and at any age. It is most common in women and also more common as you age. It is often associated with age-related declines in both physical and cognitive function in older adults. Being overweight is a risk factor for urinary incontinence at any age. When not age-related, Urinary Incontinence is usually caused by an underlying medical condition, certain medications, or triggering foods and drinks.

Urinary Incontinence can also result from other causes, so it’s important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms. Some serious diseases – including cancer – can cause Urinary Incontinence.

There are two basic types of Urinary Incontinence – temporary or chronic. Examples of temporary causes may include constipation, overeating or too much fluid. Many temporary medical conditions – like urinary tract infections (UTIs) – can be at the root of temporary experiences of Urinary Incontinence.

Also, certain food, drink, supplements and medication can have a diuretic effect and cause temporary Urinary Incontinence, including:

• Alcohol and certain recreational drugs
• Heart and blood pressure medications
• Sedatives, muscle relaxants and any drugs that cause drowsiness
• Coffee, tea or other food or drinks containing caffeine
• Foods or drinks containing artificial sweeteners, or alternatively, high sugar foods or drinks
• Chocolate
• Colas and other highly carbonated drinks
• High dose Vitamin C
• Spicy food and drink
• Foods or drinks high in carbohydrates or acid, especially citrus fruits and citrus fruit drinks

Chronic Urinary Incontinence is often caused by medical conditions or factors, like aging, diabetes, kidney disease, prostate issues, neurological conditions, or cancer, especially if there are obstructive tumors. Menopause, pregnancy and childbirth, or any condition that causes hormone imbalance can also contribute to chronic Urinary Incontinence.

It is important to be evaluated for chronic incontinence because it can serve as a signal of underlying conditions requiring urgent treatment. Serious complications can develop if untreated, including UTIs and skin infections, rashes or sores, not to mention its impact on your quality of life at work or at home.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence is defined as the involuntary voiding of large or small amounts of urine. It can manifest itself in different ways, including the most common experience of leaking urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing, passing gas, exercising or even just bending over, sitting or standing. Urinary Incontinence symptoms also include:

• Frequent urination
• Accidents or near-misses due to sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate
• Unexpectedly dribbling urine when you thought you’d completed urinating
• Straining to pass urine, urinating in a slow stream, or stopping and starting as you urinate
• Waking up often at night to urinate
• Urinating in your sleep, more commonly known as bedwetting

Diagnosing Urinary Incontinence

A thorough medical history and a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms can be two of the most effective tools that can be used to diagnose Urinary Incontinence. Put together a list of your symptoms – not simply urinary symptoms, but all of your medical issues - prior to your first consultation with One Agora. It’s possible there may be other seemingly unrelated conditions and health problems contributing to your Urinary Incontinence.

Our goal is to uncover the root cause of your symptoms, so we can diagnose and treat your condition effectively. This may require medical testing for an accurate diagnosis. At One Agora, we have a great deal of experience in diagnosing Urinary Incontinence – and a proper diagnosis is the most important puzzle piece in your healing journey.

Treating Urinary Incontinence

Because the causes of Urinary Incontinence will vary, the course of treatment will vary with each individual. Our primary treatment tools will likely include:

• Treating underlying medical conditions - Such examples can range from mild UTIs, diabetes, benign or cancerous tumors, or an array of neurological conditions.
• Removing triggers – Medications, supplements, certain foods and drinks, these may all be triggering Urinary Incontinence but once identified, they can be removed.
• Bladder training – This form of behavior therapy can be effective in treating Urinary Incontinence. It requires following a fixed voiding schedule, whether or not you feel the urge to urinate.
• Medical weight loss - If weight is a factor in Urinary Incontinence, a medical weight loss approach, together with a plan for heathy movement that is appropriate for your physical condition, could help counter the weight gain that is often a contributing factor in Urinary Incontinence.
• The O-Shot - The O-shot is a type of PRP treatment widely known as a method to improve female sexual pleasure, but it also works very well for female urinary incontinence, especially stress incontinence.
• Vaginal Rejuvenation - Through FDA-approved CO2RE Intima laser for laser vaginal rejuvenation, you can address certain kinds of incontinence issues, such as accidental urination, while also regaining your lost vaginal sensation, enjoyment of intercourse, sexual performance, and self-confidence.
• Pelvic floor exercises – Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help address Urinary Incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises focus on strengthening the muscles around your bladder, vagina, or penis.
• BTL Emsella - Also known as the Kegel Throne, this is an FDA cleared device used to treat urinary incontinence in women. It non-invasively administers high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy into the pelvic floor muscles which helps patients regain neuromuscular control and restore weak muscles. One 30-minute session is the equivalent of 11,000 Kegel exercises.
• Hypopressives-Low Pressure Fitness – These core-strengthening exercises and breathing methods can help improve your symptoms by improving pelvic and core function.

It’s also important to connect with a team that understands the complexity of female reproductive health and changing hormones is your most important step. The hormonal shifts that come with menopause can often trigger Urinary Incontinence. Female Hormone Replacement Therapy is the use of Bio-Identical Hormones (BHRT) to balance hormone levels. Certain lifestyle modifications may also be helpful in balancing hormones, as well as a medical nutrition plan to optimize female hormonal balance. Herbal remedies and acupuncture may be good choices for you. Targeted vitamins, supplements or IV vitamin therapy may also be helpful.

If these first-line methods are not effective, there are certain medications and surgeries that may be options for you, depending on what is the underlying cause of your Urinary Incontinence. At One Agora, we can work together to bring freedom from Urinary Incontinence.

Reserve your appointment today!

Gather a list of symptoms related to Urinary Incontinence and any history of your attempts to counter symptoms in the past, along with your treatment questions or special requests – and we’ll put together a customized plan to address Urinary Incontinence.

Begin your journey with us today into freedom and the fabulous life you deserve. Call ☎ (952) 234-5898 or contact us online to make an appointment.

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