Urinary Incontinence; Urgency, Retention and Voiding Problems

Types of Urinary Problems:

Problems with the urinary system include:

  • Urinary Incontinence: The inability to control urine
  • Urinary Urgency: The involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden urge to void
  • Urinary Retention: The inability to completely empty the bladder
  • Voiding Problems: Any abnormality associated with the bladder including an inability or difficulty starting to void and inability to sense bladder fullness

What Causes Urinary Difficulty?

There can be many causes of problems with urination including constipation, trauma, difficult childbirth, surgery, bladder prolapse, diabetes, radiation therapy or back injury.

How Are Urinary Problems Diagnosed?

Patients should undergo a thorough history and physical examination and you may be referred to a specialist (urologist, urogynecologist). Diagnosis is often determined from history and exam only but you may require specialized testing called urodynamics.

How Are Urinary Difficulties Treated?

There are many treatments available determined by the diagnosis. Medication is often helpful as well as physical therapy or biofeedback therapy. These are both aimed at strengthening the muscles in the pelvic floor as well as helping the muscles relax appropriately to empty the bladder. A pessary may be recommended for female patients. Treatment of underlying constipation may be suggested. Sacral nerve stimulation is another treatment option for problems that fail to respond to other treatments.

Late Policy

New patients must complete the necessary paperwork prior to their first visit using the online patient portal. If the paperwork delays your appointment start time, your appointment might be canceled at the discretion of the provider.

If a patient arrives past their scheduled time and/or do not have their paperwork completed, their appointment might be canceled at the discretion of the provider.  This is to ensure that the patients who arrive on time do not experience delayed waits to see their provider. If you arrive late, you may be asked to reschedule. If you choose to wait, we will try to minimize your wait time as best as possible, however we need to provide timely care to our other patients as well.