Millions of women experience urinary incontinence—involuntary urine leakage that can happen during everyday activities like coughing, laughing, or exercising. This common condition doesn’t have to disrupt your life. Whether you’re struggling with stress incontinence, an overactive bladder, or another form of urinary leakage, you deserve expert care that addresses the root cause.
At Northwest Women’s Center, Houston’s leading obstetrics and gynecology practice, we help women understand their incontinence and provide personalized treatment solutions. Our board-certified physicians and experienced team are dedicated to helping you regain bladder control and confidence.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine—meaning your bladder doesn’t function as it should. This happens when the bladder muscles or nerves controlling the bladder malfunction. It’s not a disease but a symptom of underlying issues, such as weakened pelvic floor muscles, overactive bladder muscles, or nerve damage.
Incontinence affects women of all ages, but becomes increasingly common during pregnancy, after childbirth, and post-menopause due to hormonal changes and pelvic floor weakness.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
- Stress Incontinence: Urine leaks during physical activity or pressure on the bladder—triggered by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. This results from weak pelvic floor muscles or a weakened urinary sphincter.
- Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder): A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. You may experience frequent urination, including nighttime episodes.
- Overflow Incontinence: The bladder cannot empty completely, causing frequent dribbling. This is often caused by blockages or nerve damage.
- Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence symptoms.
What Causes Incontinence in Women?
Pelvic floor muscle weakness is a primary cause of incontinence. Pregnancy, vaginal delivery, hormonal changes during menopause, nerve damage, and certain medications can all contribute. Age-related muscle weakening and conditions like obesity or chronic coughing also increase your risk.
How Is Incontinence Diagnosed?
Diagnosing incontinence requires a comprehensive evaluation. At Northwest Women’s Center, we perform a physical and pelvic exam, urinalysis to check for infections, a bladder stress test, and urodynamic testing to assess bladder function. These specialized tests help us identify the specific type of incontinence you have so we can recommend the most effective treatment.
Treatment Options for Incontinence
Treatment depends on the type and severity of your incontinence. Options include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, medications, BOTOX® injections for overactive bladder, and advanced treatments like BTL EMSELLA®, which uses electromagnetic technology to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. For severe cases, surgical options are available to repair damaged muscles or correct structural issues.
Why Choose Northwest Women’s Center for Incontinence in Houston, TX?
Northwest Women’s Center is a premier women’s health practice with two board-certified physicians who are Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG), as well as nurse practitioners and a certified nurse-midwife.
We provide state-of-the-art, personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Our office offers comprehensive incontinence treatment options in a supportive, patient-centered environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Control of Your Bladder—and Your Life
Urinary incontinence is treatable. With the right diagnosis and care plan, you can regain confidence and enjoy activities without worry. Let Northwest Women’s Center help you find the solution that works for your body and your life. Contact us today at 281.444.3440 or book a consultation online.
