Millions of Americans live with bladder leaks, also known as urinary incontinence. Despite how common the condition is, many people avoid seeing a doctor for help due to embarrassment. Unfortunately, without proper care, leakage often worsens, making it even more challenging to go about daily activities.
Urologist Sherif S. El-Masry, MD, specializes in treating urinary incontinence in adults at Advanced Southern Westchester Medical in Yonkers, New York. This month, learn about five of the most common causes of bladder leaks and when to seek professional help.
You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your pelvic floor, but these muscles play a crucial role in supporting your bladder and urethra. Factors like childbirth, pregnancy, and the natural aging process can weaken these muscles over time and make it more difficult to hold urine, especially in certain situations.
For example, you may notice leakage when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.
About one in 11 people experiences an overactive bladder, which is characterized by a sudden, strong urge to urinate. This type of leakage is particularly common in women and most often occurs in people over 65.
Certain triggers can make the need to urinate even worse, such as caffeine and stress. Many people with this type of leakage stay home to avoid the sudden need for a public bathroom.
Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progestin help regulate key bodily functions. They also tend to decline with age, which can affect the tissues that support the bladder and urethra. These age-related changes are one of the most common reasons that pre- and postmenopausal women experience bladder leaks.
Although urinary incontinence is more common in women, men aren’t immune. The prostate — a small, walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid — often grows with age. This enlargement is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is typically noncancerous, but it can lead to urinary leakage, dribbling, or incomplete bladder emptying.
Many people assume bladder leaks point to an underlying medical condition, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Lifestyle factors such as excess weight, alcohol consumption, and chronic constipation can have similar effects.
It’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the cause on your own, so a medical evaluation can provide peace of mind.
Talking to a doctor about your urinary habits may seem awkward, but it’s one of the best decisions you can make. Dr. El-Masry and our caring team have extensive training in managing bladder leaks and can reduce their frequency while improving your comfort and quality of life.
After discussing your symptoms, performing a physical exam, and conducting lab testing, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that can truly help you get beyond the embarrassment and discomfort of living with incontinence.
Depending on your needs, we could address the underlying cause of your bladder leaks with:
The good news is that incontinence is treatable, and many therapeutic options exist.
If you’re tired of dealing with bladder leaks and their effect on your quality of life, don’t wait to seek professional care. Dr. El-Masry and our compassionate, experienced team can pinpoint the underlying cause and make treatment recommendations to help you feel your best.
Schedule an appointment today by calling the office at 914-375-5700.
