Incontinence Specialist

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition characterized by an inability to hold your urine in your bladder, or lack of control of when you urinate. This condition affects both men and women, though women are affected more often.

UI is usually a symptom of an underlying problem, rather than the primary problem itself. Urinary incontinence is treatable, and symptoms can resolve completely.

UI can be the result of easily treated or temporary condition, such as constipation, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or pregnancy. UI may also be a side effect of conditions such as enlarged prostate, hysterectomy, neurological conditions, or menopause.

What are some types of urinary incontinence?

There are several types of incontinence, characterized by the underlying causes of your lack of control. The two most common types of incontinence are:

Stress incontinence

With stress incontinence, leakage happens because a sudden pressure is placed on the bladder, such as with a sneeze or a laugh. This is caused by weakened pelvic and bladder muscles that develop after childbirth or with advanced age.

Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence occurs when there is an urgent need to urinate and you’re unable to get to the bathroom in time, resulting in leakage. This can be caused a UTI or by a nerve problem.

Urinary incontinence can also be due to immobility because a person is physically unable to get to the bathroom quickly. The medical team at Cullman Internal Medicine takes time to understand the underlying causes of your incontinence in order to create the most effective treatment plan possible.

What is Urgent PC?

Cullman Internal Medicine offers Urgent PC, a revolutionary, nonsurgical approach to the treatment of UI. Managed by one of their highly qualified nurse practitioners, this treatment is available in the comfort of their office.

This treatment method utilizes what is called percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS). The treatment uses mild electric shocks to the nerves through a needle electrode placed just below your skin near your ankle. From the electrode, impulses travel to pelvic nerves that control the bladder.

This uses about 12 treatments, about 30 minutes each, to gently re-train the nerves and muscles of the urinary system. This treatment may be recommended in correlation with medications, physical therapy, or dietary changes.

For a consultation about your urinary continence, call the office or book your appointment today.