Urinary Incontinence Specialist

Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Atlanta, GA

Urinary incontinence affects up to 45% of women in their lifetime. If you’re experiencing urinary urgency, the expert team at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates offers effective treatments to help you manage your symptoms. If you notice symptoms, don't wait. Schedule an appointment by calling the Atlanta, Georgia, location on Peachtree Road or Collier Road today or book online.

Urinary Incontinence Q & A

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence means you've lost control of your bladder, leading to urine leakage. For women, urinary incontinence can be slightly bothersome or completely debilitating, keeping you from participating in activities and events due to the risk of embarrassment.

You might experience urinary incontinence because the messages from your brain to your bladder are out of sync or your bladder muscles aren’t squeezing enough to hold the urine, or your incontinence could be a combination of both.

What are the types of urinary incontinence in women?

To help develop a treatment plan, the Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates team classifies your urinary incontinence into one of several types.

Stress urinary incontinence

You leak urine due to pressure on your bladder caused by activities such as exercise, coughing, laughing, or lifting a heavy item.

Urgency incontinence

Urgency incontinence is characterized by a strong, sudden urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine.

Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence is when you experience both stress urinary incontinence and urgency incontinence.

Some women also experience short-term urinary incontinence – also called transient incontinence – or overflow incontinence when the bladder doesn’t empty.

When should I see the doctor for urinary incontinence?

If you’re leaking urine, even a small amount, you should schedule an appointment with Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates. After a thorough examination, the team can provide an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

Treatment for urinary incontinence varies and depends on the cause. Underlying health conditions, such as if you’re going through menopause or you have a neurological condition, may also help determine your treatment plan.

Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates may initially recommend behavioral and lifestyle changes to help you better manage the leakage, such as:

  • Developing a bathroom schedule
  • Limiting fluid intake
  • Holding your urine for a set period to train your bladder
  • Pelvic floor exercises

The team may also prescribe medications or recommend the insertion of a medical device to reduce leakage. 

If you can't control your urine with conservative treatment, the Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates team may suggest surgery. Common surgical procedures that help women with urinary incontinence include:

  • Retropubic suspension: a technique that improves the holding power of the urethral sphincter
  • Sling procedure: use of tissue or synthetic material to keep the urethra closed
  • Bulking agents: a treatment that involves injecting near your urinary sphincter to thicken the tissue

For help with urinary incontinence, call Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates today or book an appointment using the online booking tool.