Female Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Reston, VA

Urinary incontinence refers to the inability to control the flow of urine from the body. It is a condition that affects millions of women in the United States during their lifetime, estimated to be around 17 million. This problem can occur in women aged 18 to 60 and beyond, typically due to the insufficient closure of the urethra, which is responsible for retaining urine in the bladder. The symptoms can vary and include the inability to prevent urine leakage during physical activities or involuntary actions like coughing or sneezing. Additionally, there may be a strong and urgent need to urinate, often leading to involuntary urination before reaching a restroom.

At Perfectly Female, our team of OB/GYNs and women’s health specialists, offer comprehensive testing and treatment options for urinary incontinence at our gynecology office in Reston, VA. If you wish to learn more about the specific type of incontinence you are experiencing and explore the available treatment options, we encourage you to contact us at (703) 796-0200 or request an appointment using our secure online form today.

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The 7 Types of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can be caused by a range of different issues. Because of this, incontinence can be categorized in one of the following seven ways:

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Behavior therapies: Behavior modification techniques are utilized to train the bladder and sphincter muscles. This involves reducing fluid intake and following a schedule for voiding.

Pelvic muscle exercises: Commonly known as Kegel exercises, these aim to strengthen the weak muscles surrounding the bladder.

Protective undergarments: These are absorbent pads designed to manage urinary leakage.

Catheter: Tubes inserted into the urethra to collect urine in an external drainage bag. They are typically left in place throughout the day.

External devices (Pessary): A device called a Pessary is used to apply pressure and reposition the urethra, allowing for better closure. It consists of a rigid ring inserted into the vagina to exert pressure on the vaginal wall and urethra.

Bulking injections: Injectable bulking agents like collagen are used to firm up and increase the thickness of the urethral lining, enhancing its ability to close tightly.

Medications: Various medications are available to address incontinence caused by a constant urge to urinate. However, there are no medications specifically for stress-related incontinence. In cases of mixed urge and stress incontinence, drug therapy may help manage the urge component.

InterStim Electrical Stimulation: This treatment involves the use of a small device implanted under the skin in the buttocks. It delivers electrical pulses to the sacral nerve, which plays a crucial role in bladder filling and emptying.

Urinary Incontinence Surgery

When other treatments are ineffective, surgical interventions can be considered to strengthen, support, elevate, or restore the urethra and bladder. These surgical options include:

• Retropubic Suspensions: Surgical procedures (such as the Burch procedure) that aim to restore the urethra and the bladder neck to a higher anatomical position.
• Slings: Procedures used to treat hypermobility by supporting the urethra with a sling during increased abdominal pressure.
• • Bone-fixed slings: These slings support the urethra using a graft material attached to the pubic bone.
  • Self-fixated slings: These slings support the urethra and are secured in place by friction and tissue ingrowth, requiring no sutures or screws.