Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Northern Virginia

Board Certified Urologists in Alexandria, Woodbridge, and National Harbor

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) happens when activities like laughing or coughing cause urine to leak. In fact, about 1 in 3 women have SUI at some time in their life (33% in women < 60 years; 50% in women > 65 years).

The board-certified urologists at Potomac Urology specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of SUI. If you’re experiencing symptoms of SUI, contact us today to schedule an appointment in Alexandria or Woodbridge. Give our office a call at (703) 680-2111 to get started.

What Happens Normally?

Your pelvic floor muscles hold your bladder in place. When you are ready to urinate, the brain signals your bladder muscles to squeeze.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence?

The key symptom of SUI is when urine leaks out during activity. You may leak urine when you exercise, sneeze, laugh, cough or lift something. You may also leak when you stand up, walk or bend over.

Causes of Stress Urinary Incontinence

SUI happens when your pelvic floor muscles are stretched, weak or damaged. The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and urethra. If they become weak due to things like childbirth or pelvic surgery, the muscles may not hold in urine.

What increases your risk of getting Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Risk factors for SUI can include:

• Gender – females are more likely to get SUI
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Nerve injuries to the lower back
• Pelvic surgery
• Smoking
• Chronic coughing

Diagnosing Stress Urinary Incontinence

Review of Medical History

Your urologist will review your medical history, including your past and present health problems. He or she will review any over-the-counter and prescription drugs that you usually take as well as discuss your diet and how much and what kinds of liquids you drink daily.

The Physical Exam

Your physical exam may include checking your abdomen, the organs in your pelvis, and your rectum.

Pad Test

You might be asked to wear a pad while doing an activity or exercising. The pad is then weighed to learn how much you leak during physical activity.

Bladder Diary

This can keep track of your day-to-day symptoms. You will record what fluids you drink and how often you go to the bathroom. You also need to note when you have leaks. Include what you were doing when the leak happened, such as exercising, coughing or sneezing.

Other Testing

• A urine sample to test for infection or blood
• A bladder scan (ultrasound of your bladder) to show how much urine stays in your bladder after you urinate
• Urodynamic testing to see how well your lower urinary tract store and release urine
• A cystoscopy where a narrow tube with a tiny camera is used to see into the bladder to rule out problems

How is SUI Treated?

Conservative Therapy

• Absorbent pads
• Pelvic floor/Kegel exercises
• Dietary changes
• Bladder training/bladder diary
• Vaginal tampons or pessaries

Surgical Therapy

Urethral Bulking Injections – This treatment strengthens the muscle valve to keep the bladder closed.

Urethral Slings – Used for mild SUI. For this procedure, a mesh material is placed under your urethra to provide support.

Bladder Neck Suspension – The bladder is secured to the pubic bone for support.