Dealing with urgency incontinence can be frustrating, embarrassing and impair daily activities. But what exactly is it? Urge incontinence is a type of incontinence that is characterized by sudden and unexpected urges to urinate. It may be accompanied by leakage of urine before reaching the bathroom. Incontinence may affect people of all ages, but it is more predominant in older adults. If you’re experiencing urgency incontinence, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about it to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. We’ll take a close look at how to discuss urgency incontinence with your doctor.
Understanding Urgency Incontinence:
Urgency incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is a condition characterized by a sudden, strong urge to urinate, followed by involuntary urine leakage. It can occur due to various factors, such as bladder muscle dysfunction, nerve damage, or certain medical conditions. Before discussing urgency incontinence with your doctor, it’s important to understand the symptoms, potential causes, and available treatment options.
Preparing for Your Doctor’s Appointment:
To make the most of your appointment, it’s beneficial to prepare beforehand. Here are some steps to consider:
- Document your symptoms: Keep a diary to record the frequency and severity of urgency incontinence episodes, triggers, and any associated symptoms.
- Research treatment options: Familiarize yourself with potential treatment approaches, such as lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, medications, or surgical interventions. This will help you have an informed discussion with your doctor.
- List questions and concerns: Jot down any questions or concerns you have about urgency incontinence. This will ensure that you address all your queries during the appointment.
Initiating the Conversation:
When discussing urgency incontinence with your doctor, open communication is key. Here are some tips to guide your conversation:
- Be open and honest: Don’t be shy or embarrassed to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Remember, they are medical professionals who have likely encountered similar issues before.
- Provide comprehensive information: Clearly describe your symptoms, their frequency, and impact on your daily life. Be prepared to discuss any triggers or factors that worsen or alleviate the condition.
- Discuss medical history: Inform your doctor about any relevant medical conditions, medications, or surgeries you’ve had in the past. This information will help them assess potential underlying causes of urgency incontinence.
Available Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for managing urgency incontinence. These can include lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapies, medications, and in some cases, advanced treatments such as the Emsella treatment.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Certain lifestyle changes can improve urgency incontinence symptoms. These may include maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol), and practicing pelvic floor exercises.
- Behavioral Therapies: Your doctor might recommend bladder training techniques to help you gradually regain control over your bladder. This involves scheduled voiding, practicing urge suppression techniques, and using biofeedback or electrical stimulation to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
- Medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage urgency incontinence. These medications can relax the bladder muscles or reduce bladder contractions, thus reducing the frequency and intensity of urgency episodes.
- Advanced Treatment: Emsella: Emsella is a non-invasive treatment option that utilizes electromagnetic technology to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This treatment can provide significant benefits for individuals experiencing urgency incontinence, including improved bladder control and reduced leakage.
Overview
Discussing urgency incontinence with your doctor may feel uncomfortable or embarrassing, but it’s necessary to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Urinary incontinence is a common condition, and your doctor has seen it before. With the right preparation and an open mind, you can work together to find a solution that works for you. Don’t let urgency incontinence control your life; reach out for help, and take back control.
