Stress Incontinence Treatment in Rockville, MD

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine that happens when pressure is placed on the bladder. This can occur with laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercise. While common, it can be frustrating, socially limiting, and at times embarrassing. The good news is that there are effective treatments available.

Leak a little when you laugh, sneeze, or work out? You may be experiencing stress incontinence. At Capital Women’s Care, our board-certified OB/GYNs provide expert evaluation and individualized treatment options to help you regain comfort and confidence. Call (301) 681-9101 to schedule your appointment in Silver Spring or Rockville.

Stress Incontinence Symptoms

Bladder leakage with stress incontinence most often occurs when there is an increase in abdominal pressure.

This may include:

– Laughing or coughing

– Sneezing

– Exercise, running, or lifting

– Sexual activity

Causes of Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra are weakened. The biggest risk factor is pregnancy, with vaginal birth carrying a higher risk than cesarean delivery. Other factors that contribute include aging, menopause, obesity, chronic coughing, and prior pelvic surgery.

Evaluation of Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is often diagnosed based on symptoms and physical exam. In some cases, a post-void residual (PVR) test may be performed to check if the bladder empties fully. Additional testing such as formal urodynamics may be used when symptoms are mixed (stress and urgency together) or when another cause for leakage is suspected.

Stress Incontinence Treatment

First-line treatment for stress incontinence is pelvic floor physical therapy. This may be done with a trained pelvic floor PT in person, or at home using devices such as the Leva system. These therapies focus on strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor muscles, which can significantly reduce or resolve leakage.

Other conservative measures include lifestyle adjustments (such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and reducing chronic cough), as well as activity and fluid modifications.

Devices

A vaginal pessary may be used to support the urethra and bladder neck, particularly for women who want a nonsurgical option.

Surgery

For women who do not respond adequately to conservative measures, surgical treatment may be considered. The most common and effective procedure is a midurethral sling, which provides additional support to the urethra. Surgery is generally reserved for cases where first-line therapies do not provide sufficient improvement.

Schedule an Incontinence Treatment Appointment in Rockville and Silver Spring, MD

You don’t have to live with bladder leaks. The experienced OB/GYNs at Capital Women’s Care offer compassionate care and proven treatments for stress incontinence. Call (301) 681-9101 to book your visit at our Silver Spring or Rockville office.