Introduction
The loss of bladder control is a very common problem among both men and women. In fact, over 13 million people suffer from some form of this condition yet only half ever seek any form of treatment. Multiple treatment options exist that are safe and effective ranging from medical to surgical and even behavioral. Please see our Links page for additional information.

Although symptoms can present at any age, they are more common in patients older than 40 years and tend to worsen with age. In women typical symptoms include: urinary frequency and urgency, waking at night to urinate, inability to reach the bathroom in time resulting in the loss of urine, leakage of urine with cough/sneeze/laugh/exercise, constant dribbling, recurring urinary tract infections, lower abdominal pain and pressure and even a "dropped" bladder.

Diagnosis
Many factors are responsible for the loss of bladder control. These include prior hysterectomy or any pelvic surgery, diabetes, certain medication use, tobacco use, childbearing and menopause. In men, the prostate is usually responsible for bladder control problems. BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), chronic prostatitis or even prostate cancer may be the source.

Evaluation includes a thorough history, physical exam and urine study. Sometimes blood work or x-rays may be indicated to check for kidney stones, diabetes, prostate disease or other medical conditions that may be contributing to the problem.

On occasion, a special study called Urodynamics may be needed. This is a sophisticated study that gives information on the function of the bladder. It is a 30 minute study performed in the office and gives valuable information to the physician.

Treatment
Many options exist for the treatment of problems with bladder control. If the symptoms consist mainly of frequency and urgency, medications and behavior modification techniques are the treatments of choice. Multiple medication options exist and the appropriate one is chosen for each patient.

For symptoms of stress incontinence (leakage of urine with cough/sneeze/laugh/exercise) surgical procedures are the treatment of choice. These procedures are extremely effective with over 90% success and excellent long term results. They are typically performed on an outpatient basis without the need for an abdominal incision or catheter in the majority of cases.  We strive to stay on the cutting edge of surgical technology for this condition as it is continually changing.