Urinary Incontinence Treatment
About one in four women in the United States struggles with urinary incontinence, an embarrassing and inconvenient problem that can affect every part of life. At Marina OB/GYN, our skilled providers offer effective, minimally invasive treatments, including FemiLift CO2 laser therapy and in-office bladder Botox, to help you regain control.
Book OnlineWhat Causes Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine. Temporary incontinence can result from a urinary tract infection or from foods and drinks that irritate the bladder, such as caffeine and spicy foods. Ongoing incontinence is usually caused by:
- Pelvic floor disorders: The pelvic floor muscles that control urine flow can weaken from vaginal delivery, hormonal changes during menopause, or aging. Pelvic organ prolapse can also contribute.
- Neuromuscular disorders: Disrupted nerve signals between the brain and bladder can cause sudden bladder contractions and leakage.
- Anatomical issues: Bladder stones or blockages in the urinary tract.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stress incontinence causes leakage when pressure is placed on the bladder, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise. It is often related to pelvic floor weakness.
Urge incontinence, or overactive bladder, causes a sudden, intense need to urinate followed by involuntary leakage, usually due to neuromuscular issues.
Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options
FemiLift CO2 vaginal laser: This breakthrough, drug-free treatment helps control mild to moderate stress incontinence. The laser stimulates new collagen and firms the supportive tissues around the bladder and urethra, reducing or stopping leakage. Learn more about the CO2 vaginal laser and vaginal rejuvenation.
Bladder Botox: Botox injected into the bladder muscle is a well-established treatment for urge incontinence. It is performed in the office under local anesthesia using a very small camera scope gently passed through the urethra, and a micro-needle places Botox at the precise depth. The treatment takes about one to two minutes with only mild discomfort and no recovery time. Results begin in about five days and typically last around five months, with more than 75 percent of patients experiencing a meaningful reduction or elimination of urge leakage.
Supportive care: Pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, and medically supervised weight loss can also reduce symptoms. Surgical options such as vaginoplasty may help when prolapse is involved, and hormone therapy can strengthen tissue after menopause. Explore all conditions we treat.
Urinary Incontinence FAQs
Is urinary incontinence common?
Yes. About one in four women in the United States experiences urinary incontinence.
What is the difference between stress and urge incontinence?
Stress incontinence causes leakage with coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Urge incontinence causes a sudden need to urinate followed by leakage.
Can the FemiLift laser treat incontinence?
Yes. FemiLift helps control mild to moderate stress incontinence by strengthening supportive tissue.
How does bladder Botox work?
Botox relaxes the bladder muscle to reduce sudden contractions that cause urge incontinence.
How long does bladder Botox last?
Results typically begin in about five days and last around five months.
Is bladder Botox painful?
The procedure takes one to two minutes under local anesthesia and causes only mild discomfort.
Can childbirth cause incontinence?
Yes. Vaginal delivery can weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder.