Incontinence Specialist
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Carlos Cardenas, MD
Gynecologist & Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist located in San Antonio, TX
Urinary incontinence causes such embarrassment that many women hesitate to talk about the problem. It may help to know you’re not alone: almost half of all American women have some degree of urinary incontinence. Carlos Cardenas, MD, in San Antonio, Texas, has extensive experience treating urinary incontinence and bladder disorders. To learn more about your treatment options, contact the office today or request an appointment online.
Incontinence Q&A
What are the different types of urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence occurs when you lose bladder control and accidentally leak urine. The severity of the problem depends on the type of incontinence:
Stress incontinence
Urine leakage occurs when pressure is placed on the bladder as you sneeze, laugh, cough, or lift a heavy object.
Urge incontinence
Also called overactive bladder, urge incontinence causes a frequent need to urinate that’s so strong and sudden, you may not get to the bathroom in time.
Overflow incontinence
Overflow incontinence is when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, so you have a frequent or constant dribble of urine.
Functional incontinence
Functional incontinence is when a physical problem, such as arthritis, makes it hard to move fast enough, so you don’t make it to the toilet in time.
What causes urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence may be a temporary condition caused by a urinary tract infection, constipation, or something you ate or drank that stimulated your bladder, such as caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.
When urinary incontinence becomes chronic, it’s caused by an underlying health condition – often one that requires treatment by a gynecologist – such as:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Menopause
- Hysterectomy
- Age-related changes
- Obstruction caused by stones or tumors in the urinary tract
- Neurological disorders
Although you may feel embarrassed about having urinary incontinence, it's a common condition that affects 30% of females aged 30-60. As you can see, you can experience it at any age and for multiple reasons. If you have concerns, speak to your provider.
How is urinary incontinence treated?
Dr. Cardenas offers several ways to treat urinary incontinence, depending on its cause. They typically start with techniques you can try at home and move on to other options only if less invasive procedures show no improvement.
Your treatment plan may include any of the following:
Behavioral changes
Scheduling toilet trips, bladder training, and fluid management can all make a significant difference.
Medication
Your provider can prescribe medication that relaxes the bladder muscle and calms an overactive bladder.
Pelvic floor therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is a simple in-office exercise you can perform at home, leading to strengthened musculature and a more enjoyable lifestyle. Dr. Cardenas also offers pelvic floor screening surveys and pelvic floor muscle training.
Surgery
Several surgical procedures can help with urinary incontinence, including prolapse surgery, sling procedures, and bladder neck suspension.
Get the medical care you need for your urinary incontinence. Call Carlos Cardenas, MD, today or book an appointment online.