Incontinence Specialist
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Women's Executive Healthcare, P.C.
Drina A. Northam, MD
Medical Aesthetics Provider & Obstetrician/Gynecologist located in City Center, Newport News, VA
Do you have unexpected bladder leaks when you laugh or sneeze? Though incontinence is common among women, it can be embarrassing and make it difficult to live a normal life. Dr. Drina Northam offers effective solutions for resolving incontinence and restoring your quality of life at Women’s Executive Healthcare, OGBYN in Newport News, Virginia. Schedule an evaluation today by phone to resolve your incontinence issues for good.
Incontinence Q & A
What is incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a common problem for many women. Experiencing a loss of bladder control, especially during actions that stress your body like coughing or lifting heavy objects, can be unpleasant and disturbing. You may also feel an immediate urge to urinate that makes it difficult to reach the bathroom in time.
There are several types of incontinence, including:
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Overflow incontinence
- Temporary incontinence
Women’s Executive Healthcare offers several effective treatment options to stop incontinence issues from disrupting your life.
What causes incontinence?
Many factors can influence your risk of developing incontinence. For example, you may have a prolapsed bladder. If you’ve given birth, your muscles may have stretched and weakened, leading to stress incontinence.
Other causes of incontinence may include:
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Menopause
- Medications
- Caffeine
- Neurological disorders
How is incontinence diagnosed?
Dr. Northam determines the cause of your symptoms by reviewing your medical history and taking note of your symptoms to identify the type of incontinence you’re experiencing.
During a physical exam, Dr. Northam may ask you to perform specific activities that can cause urine leakage to find out what your triggers are. This helps her recommend the right treatment.
Other tests Dr. Northam may perform include urine testing for signs of infection, or blood and bladder testing to measure the amount of urine left over in your bladder after you use the bathroom.
How is incontinence treated?
Untreated incontinence can negatively affect your personal life and relationships. You may be at increased risk of developing frequent urinary tract infections, and urine leaks increase your risk for chronic skin rash and infections.
Dr. Northam creates a customized treatment plan to help resolve your incontinence and prevent additional complications from affecting your health. Treatments she recommends may include medications and muscle strengthening exercises.
Dr. Northam may also suggest the MonaLisa Touch® vaginal rejuvenation technology as an alternative to traditional surgery. This laser technology stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen to improve blood circulation to the vaginal muscles, which can make muscle strengthening exercises more effective. With this technology, you gain the benefits of rejuvenation without the risks of surgery.
Dr. Northam may recommend a surgical procedure to treat your incontinence if other options aren’t providing you with the relief you deserve.
To learn more about treating incontinence, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Northam by phone.
