Urinary Incontinence

David M. Barrere, MD, F.A.C.O.G.

Obstetrics & Gynecology & Bioidentical Hormone Specialist located in Clifton & Eastgate, Cincinnati, OH

Urinary incontinence is a common problem that affects women of all ages. However, urinary incontinence isn’t a normal part of the aging process. Board-certified OB/GYN David M. Barrere, MD, in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializes in diagnosing and treating urinary incontinence. To schedule an evaluation, call the office located in the medical building at the Christ Hospital or Eastgate office near the Eastgate Mall, or book an appointment online today.

Urinary Incontinence Q & A

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss urine from the bladder. Coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects can sometimes result in the loss of urine.

Urinary incontinence can affect anyone, but is more common in women. Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause affect pelvic floor muscles and the urinary system.

These life events may weaken the muscle or damage the nerves in your bladder, affecting control over your urination.

What are the types of urinary incontinence?

There are many types of urinary incontinence. However, there are two types most common in women:

Stress incontinence

With stress incontinence, you may lose small amounts of urine during your morning run or when you sneeze. These activities place stress or pressure on your bladder, causing small leaks of urine.

Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder (OAB), causes a sudden and intense urge to urinate that has you running to the bathroom. The urge may be so strong you may lose control over the contents of your bladder before you reach the toilet.

It’s also possible to have both stress and urge incontinence. In women, this is known as mixed incontinence.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

When you visit Dr. Barrere with concerns about urinary incontinence, he conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the type and cause of your incontinence.

He reviews your symptoms, medical and gynecological history, and performs a physical and pelvic exam. To assess bladder health and urinary system function, he may run various tests such as:

Urine test
Ultrasound
Cystoscopy
Bladder stress test
Urodynamics

He may also ask that you keep a bladder diary to document your urination and incontinence to help him better understand the root cause of your loss of bladder control.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

Dr. Barrere develops individualized treatment plans for urinary incontinence based on type, symptoms, and personal preferences. However, initial treatment may include lifestyle modifications to help you regain control over your bladder, such as:

Following a bathroom schedule
Engaging in pelvic floor exercises
Limiting your liquid intake
Avoiding foods and drinks that increase urination

Dr. Barrere can also utilize Votiva FormaV by InMode, an FDA-approved treatment for urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and vaginal dryness. The noninvasive treatment uses gentle heat energy to improve vaginal tissue and the supportive muscles that help maintain bladder control.

Dr. Barrere also treats conditions that may contribute to urinary incontinence, including uterine prolapse, cystocele, and rectocele.

For compassionate, patient-centered care, call the office of David M. Barrere, MD, or click the online booking button to make an appointment today.