What Can I Do if I am Experiencing Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence – or the inability to control urine – can be a life-altering condition, leaving many people frustrated and embarrassed in their everyday lives. At Phase II Center for Women's Health near Salt Lake City, UT, board-certified OB/GYN and women’s health expert Dr. Elizabeth Graul helps patients regain their confidence and control with a comprehensive range of urinary incontinence treatment options, including Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) implant therapy. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of SNS for urinary incontinence and discuss what signs and symptoms may mean you could benefit from incontinence treatment in the Greater Salt Lake City area.

What causes female incontinence?

There are two primary types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence and urgency (urge) incontinence. Patients with stress urinary incontinence typically experience the leakage of urine with pressure or muscle contraction, particularly with movements such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, or jumping. Stress urinary incontinence is often attributed to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can be the result of:

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth (vaginal delivery)
• Aging
• Heavy lifting
• Chronic cough
• Injury

Urgency, frequency, and urinary retention may be associated with another condition, such as an overactive bladder.

How is incontinence treated?

The best approach for female incontinence treatment will depend on the nature of your incontinence (stress, urgency, or frequency), the severity of your symptoms, the cause of your condition, which other therapies you have already tried, and other individual factors. Following a thorough consultation and evaluation, Dr. Graul will recommend the most appropriate course of action for treating your incontinence. Common incontinence therapies used in women include:

• Oral medication
• Physical therapy
• Kegel exercises
• Pelvic floor conditioning
• Bladder BOTOX®
• Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS)

What is Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS)?

Sacral Nerve Stimulation is a revolutionary solution for patients experiencing overactive bladder syndrome, urgency incontinence, frequent urination, and even fecal incontinence. SNS treatment involves the implantation of a tiny, permanent device just beneath the skin’s surface. This device helps the brain and sacral nerve communicate properly, dramatically improving a patient’s ability to control their urine and/or stool. SNS treatment is also considered an appropriate and effective option for patients struggling with incontinence of stool.

Am I a candidate for Sacral Nerve Stimulation?

Ideal candidates for SNS incontinence treatment should be in good health, have symptoms of urgency incontinence, frequency, and/or fecal incontinence, and have already tried at least two other forms of incontinence treatment without success. During your initial consultation for SNS in Salt Lake City, Dr. Graul will perform a thorough examination, review any labs and records you may have, and order any further tests or imaging studies that may be needed to determine if SNS could benefit you.

Rest assured, whether you qualify for SNS or not, our knowledgeable and dedicated team will work to help find a solution for your incontinence that keeps you drier, restores your confidence, and gets you back to the activities you love.

Regain control of your life with advanced incontinence treatment in Salt Lake City, UT

Urinary leakage or frequent trips to the restroom can prevent you from enjoying all that life has to offer. Don’t miss another minute battling the frustrating symptoms of incontinence. Call Phase II Center for Women's Health to schedule your one-on-one consultation with top Salt Lake City OB/GYN Dr. Elizabeth Graul, and take the first step to getting the incontinence relief you deserve today.