Female Stress Incontinence Specialist in North Jersey

Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from stress incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles that support the bladder and control the release of urine begin to weaken. Women are twice as likely to suffer from stress incontinence than men. In most cases, this is because of childbirth. During some births, muscle and tissue damage can occur to the pelvic floor.

Dr. Ghomi has been at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery and has pioneered a number of procedures. He is North Jersey’s leading expert in the field of stress urinary incontinence and provides comprehensive care for women experiencing symptoms of incontinence. If you would like to discuss your case of stress incontinence at our urogynecology office in North Jersey, please call (862) 657-3150 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence — also known as bladder leakage — is a common medical condition affecting millions of women.1

It refers to the involuntary loss of urine, which can occur occasionally or frequently. The severity varies from a slight dribble to a full loss of bladder control. Understanding the different types of incontinence is key to identifying the right treatment and management options.

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Types of Urinary Incontinence

  • Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Leakage occurs during physical activities such as exercise, coughing, sneezing, or laughing that put pressure (stress) on the bladder.
  • Urge Urinary Incontinence: Characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.
  • Mixed Urinary Incontinence: A combination of both stress and urge incontinence symptoms.
  • Overactive Bladder (OAB): Involves an urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by frequent urination (more than eight times a day or once at night). OAB is sometimes referred to as urge incontinence.

While there are several types of urinary incontinence, the most common among women are stress and urge incontinence — or a combination known as mixed incontinence. Because many women experience overlapping symptoms, it’s important to consult a specialist to determine the most effective treatment plan.

What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) occurs when urine leaks due to pressure on the bladder during activities such as exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or other physical movements.

How Does Stress Urinary Incontinence Affect the Bladder?

  • SUI results from weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissues that normally support the bladder.
  • In a healthy bladder, the muscles around the urethra remain closed until it’s time to urinate.
  • With SUI, activities that increase abdominal pressure can cause leakage, as the weakened muscles can’t keep the bladder sealed.

Symptoms of SUI vary from woman to woman. Some may only leak during intense physical activity or with a full bladder, while others may experience leakage during everyday activities like walking or sneezing. Regardless of severity, SUI can disrupt daily life and be both inconvenient and embarrassing. Read real patient stories of women who underwent surgery to regain control.

Causes of Stress Urinary Incontinence

SUI may develop gradually or as a result of specific factors such as:

  • Childbirth
  • Previous pelvic surgery
  • Menopause
  • Obesity

Additional risk factors include depression, urinary tract infections, smoking, diabetes, chronic coughing, and high-impact activities like aerobics or running.

Approximately 75% of women with bladder leakage do not discuss it with their healthcare provider.2

Tests for Stress Urinary Incontinence

How Is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed?

Since various types of incontinence share similar symptoms, accurate diagnosis is essential. Seek care from a specialist in pelvic floor disorders, such as a urogynecologist.

Medical History

Your provider will start by reviewing your medical history and medications. You’ll be asked to describe your symptoms and when they occur. Honesty is important — accurate symptom reporting leads to better treatment outcomes.

Physical Exam

The doctor will check for other pelvic floor disorders. A “cough test” may be used to see how your bladder responds to pressure. You may also be asked to perform an “at-home pad test” to measure urine leakage. If needed, imaging or bladder function tests may be performed.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

Wondering if you have SUI? Consider whether you experience leakage during any of the following:

Do you leak urine during the following activities?

  • Laughing
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Heavy Lifting
  • Physical Activity
  • During Intercourse

While these symptoms may indicate SUI, they are not exclusive to it. A proper medical diagnosis is essential. If considering surgery, review key questions and expectations on FemalePelvicSolutions.

FAQs: Stress Urinary Incontinence

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the loss of voluntary control over urination. Around 18 million women in the U.S. are affected — that’s 1 in 4 women over the age of 18.3

Are there different types of urinary incontinence?

Yes. The most common types are stress, urge, and mixed incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when physical pressure causes leaks. Urge incontinence involves a sudden need to urinate. Mixed includes symptoms of both.

What causes female stress urinary incontinence?

SUI typically results from weakened pelvic muscles that can’t keep the bladder sealed during activities that increase abdominal pressure. Causes include childbirth, aging, smoking, obesity, and prior pelvic trauma.

Can stress urinary incontinence be successfully treated?

Yes, many women see improvement with treatment.4 While life changes like childbirth or menopause can contribute to bladder leakage, it’s not something you have to live with. A range of treatment options are available, and your doctor can help you choose what’s right for you. Learn more at FemalePelvicSolutions.

Sources:

  1. https://www.augs.org/assets/1/6/SUI.pdf
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5225260/
  3. Statistics from the National Association for Continence, April 28, 2013.
  4. https://www.voicesforpfd.org/bladder-control/treatments/_Downloaded 5.25.18

Testing for Stress Incontinence

While most SUI cases are easy to diagnose, further testing may be needed if symptoms overlap. These tests may include:

  • Urine Volume Test: Measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
  • Bladder Pressure Test: Involves filling the bladder with warm water and using a sensor to measure pressure changes.
  • Bladder Examination: A cystoscope — a small camera — is inserted to allow the physician to inspect the bladder and urethra.

Schedule a Female Stress Incontinence Consultation in North Jersey

If you’re experiencing symptoms of SUI, contact women’s health specialist Dr. Ali Ghomi. Schedule a consultation by calling (862) 657-3150 or request an appointment online through our secure form.