Urinary incontinence— the involuntary loss of bladder control—affects millions of adults and can significantly impact daily life, confidence, and overall well-being. While it is common, especially with aging, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions, urinary incontinence is not something you have to live with.
Understanding the cause of urinary incontinence is the first step toward effective treatment. With proper evaluation and personalized care, most people can significantly reduce symptoms and regain bladder control.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot properly store or release urine, leading to accidental leakage. It may be temporary or chronic and can range from mild leakage to complete loss of bladder control.
Symptoms may worsen over time if left untreated, making early evaluation important for long-term outcomes.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
There are several types of urinary incontinence, each with different causes and treatment approaches.
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence occurs when physical movement or pressure—such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising—causes urine leakage. It is especially common in women after pregnancy or menopause.
Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)
Urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. People may feel unable to reach the bathroom on time. This type is often associated with an overactive bladder.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not empty, leading to frequent dribbling of urine. It is more common in men, often related to prostate enlargement, but it can also affect women.
Functional Incontinence
Functional incontinence occurs when a physical, cognitive, or environmental barrier prevents someone from reaching the bathroom in time, even though bladder function itself may be normal. Conditions such as arthritis, dementia, impaired mobility, or visual limitations can contribute.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a combination of two or more types—most commonly stress and urge incontinence.
Causes and Risk Factors
Urinary incontinence can develop for many reasons, including changes in bladder support, nerve function, or muscle strength.
In Women
- Pregnancy and childbirth weakening pelvic floor muscles
- Menopause-related estrogen loss
- Pelvic floor weakness after surgery
In Men
- Prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostate surgery or radiation therapy
- Nerve damage affecting bladder emptying
Other Risk Factors (Men and Women)
- Obesity
- Aging
- Smoking
- Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes
- Neurological disorders
Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence
Symptoms vary depending on the type but may include:
- Leakage during coughing, laughing, or exercise
- Sudden, strong urges to urinate
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Frequent urination, including nighttime urination (nocturia)
If symptoms interfere with daily activities or quality of life, evaluation is recommended.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and a comprehensive physical examination. Additional testing may include:
- Urine tests to rule out infection
- Bladder diaries to track urination patterns and leakage
- Urodynamic testing to assess bladder function
- Ultrasound or cystoscopy for structural evaluation
These tests help identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.
Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence
Treatment depends on the type and severity of incontinence and individual patient needs.
Lifestyle & Conservative Therapies
- Reducing bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol
- Timed voiding and bladder training
- Pelvic floor muscle strengthening (Kegel exercises)
Natural & At-Home Support
Some patients explore complementary options such as cranberries or pumpkin seed extracts. While evidence is limited, lifestyle changes like weight management and smoking cessation can reduce bladder pressure and symptoms.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications such as:
- Anticholinergics to calm overactive bladder muscles
- Beta-3 agonists to relax the bladder
- Topical estrogen for postmenopausal women
Treatment is individualized based on benefits and side effects.
Over-the-Counter Options
Bladder control pads, external devices, and supplements may provide short-term symptom relief but do not address the underlying cause.
Procedures & Surgery
When conservative treatments are not enough, advanced options may include:
- Nerve stimulation therapy (PTNS or InterStim®)
- Bulking agents or Botox® injections to improve bladder control
- Sling procedures or artificial urinary sphincters for long-term support
Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Houston
If urinary leakage is affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek care. Specialists in the Houston area, including urologists and urogynecologists, provide advanced evaluation and personalized treatment plans.
At CLS Health, patients have access to comprehensive diagnostics and a full range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options designed to restore bladder control and confidence.
Schedule a Consultation with a Urinary Incontinence Specialist
Urinary incontinence is common—and treatable. With the right diagnosis and care plan, many patients experience meaningful improvement.
Book a consultation with a urinary incontinence specialist in Houston, Webster, or Katy today and take the first step toward better bladder control and improved quality of life.
