Stress Urinary Incontinence Therapy
What is Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) occurs when physical activities, such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising, cause an involuntary leakage of urine. It’s a common condition, particularly among women, and can often feel embarrassing or frustrating. But know this: You are not alone, and there are effective treatments available!
What Causes Stress Urinary Incontinence?
SUI usually happens when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder (the pelvic floor muscles) weaken. This weakening can be caused by:
- Childbirth
- Aging
- Hormonal changes (like menopause)
- Pelvic surgery
All of these factors can put stress on the bladder, leading to leaks during certain activities. But the good news? It’s treatable!
Our Approach to Stress Urinary Incontinence Therapy
At My Lady Doc, we offer personalized and comprehensive therapy options for Stress Urinary Incontinence. Our goal is to restore your confidence and improve your quality of life with treatments that fit your lifestyle.
1. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
One of the first and simplest methods to treat SUI is through pelvic floor muscle training. These exercises strengthen the muscles that support your bladder, which can help reduce leakage over time.
- How it works: You’ll learn how to properly engage your pelvic muscles with exercises you can do at home. Consistency is key!
- Ideal for: Women with mild SUI or those looking for a non-invasive option.
2. Pessary Fitting
A pessary is a small, removable device that is placed in the vagina to help support the bladder. It’s a great non-surgical option for women who prefer an alternative to medication or surgery.
- How it works: The pessary helps support your bladder and urethra, which can prevent urine leaks during physical activities.
- Ideal for: Women seeking a temporary or non-invasive solution for SUI.
3. Behavioral Therapy & Bladder Training
Sometimes, the timing and frequency of bathroom visits can play a role in managing SUI. Bladder training involves teaching your bladder to hold more urine and avoid frequent trips to the restroom.
- How it works: We’ll create a personalized plan to increase the time between your bathroom visits, giving you more control over when you urinate.
- Ideal for: Women looking for a proactive, natural way to manage their symptoms.
4. Minimally Invasive Procedures
When lifestyle modifications and non-surgical treatments don’t provide enough relief, minimally invasive procedures like urethral bulking agents or sling surgery may be recommended.
- How it works: A sling procedure uses a small strip of your tissue or synthetic material to create support around the urethra, preventing leakage.
- Ideal for: Women with moderate to severe SUI who want long-lasting results.
5. Hormonal Therapy
In some cases, declining estrogen levels after menopause can contribute to weakening of the pelvic muscles. Hormonal therapy (such as topical estrogen) can be used to strengthen the tissues in the urethra and bladder neck.
- How it works: Topical estrogen helps improve the tone of the pelvic muscles, reducing leakage.
- Ideal for: Postmenopausal women or women experiencing hormone-related symptoms.
Why Choose My Lady Doc?
- Women’s health experts: We specialize in treating women, and we understand the unique challenges that come with SUI.
- Compassionate care: Our team is dedicated to making you feel comfortable and respected throughout your treatment journey.
- Personalized treatment plans: No two women are the same, and neither are their treatment needs. We tailor your therapy to fit your life and health goals.
- State-of-the-art technology: From non-invasive therapies to advanced procedures, we offer the latest treatment options to ensure you receive the best possible care.