Urinary Incontinence
Do You Leak Urine?
Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) is a very common condition, affecting more than 13 million women in the United States at some point in their lives. A recent study of 2800 postmenopausal women found that 56% experienced urinary incontinence at least weekly. Although this is a common condition, it is not a normal part of aging.
Ask yourself
- Do you leak urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze?
- Do you often experience the "gotta go" feeling of urgency, with leakage if you don't reach the bathroom in time?
- Do you wear pads or panty liners to protect your clothing from urine?
- Do you get up more than two times at night to urinate?
If so, you are not alone.
We can Help
Women Gynecology & Childbirth Associates, P.C. now offers Urodynamic Evaluations to our patients. Dr. Laureen Burke has a special interest and has received additional training in the evaluation and management of urinary incontinence. Dr. Burke evaluates patients within our practice who experience symptoms of urinary incontinence through the use of Urodynamic Evaluations. By allowing Dr. Burke to assess and take measurements in your bladder and urethra, Urodynamic evaluations can assist your doctor in determining the best course of treatment for you.
Since there are multiple types of Urinary Incontinence (stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow/neurogenic incontinence, neurogenic incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence), an accurate diagnosis to determine which type you have is essential to provide the best treatment. Studies show that 20 - 38% of women with incontinence are misdiagnosed if Urodynamic evaluations are not performed.
About the Urodynamic Evaluation
All evaluations are done in our Brighton Office location and involve two appointments with Dr. Burke. During the first appointment, your medical and surgical history will be reviewed along with any medications you may be taking. A pelvic exam will also be performed. This appointment lasts about 20 minutes. During the second appointment the Urodynamic test will evaluate the function of the lower urinary tract (the urethra and the bladder). This appointment lasts about 30 minutes and is scheduled approximately 2 weeks after your first appointment. After the evaluation, Dr. Burke will share the results with your doctor who will then determine the best course of treatment for you. Treatment options include Kegel exercises, pessaries, medication, or minimally invasive surgery, depending on the type of incontinence you have.
If you would like more information about Urinary Incontinence or Urodynamic Evaluations, please speak with your provider or call our office.
Forms
Before your first appointment for Urinary Incontinence evaluation, please print and complete these forms. Bring them with you to your appointment, so Dr. Burke can review them.
- Bladder Health Questionnaire (pdf)
- Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale (pdf)
- Daily Voiding Diary (pdf) please complete for at least 2 days
Patient Education Materials
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