Preparing for Pregnancy and Birth: an OBGYN Blog

Urinary incontinence is one of the most troubling problems that a woman can face.  As well as indicating a variety of health concerns, it can be an embarrassing problem that is generally very hard to conceal. Many women attempt to self-diagnose the issue instead of seeing a professional out of that very embarrassment, but you really should see your gynaecologist as soon as possible.

Here are just three reasons why.

1. They Can Properly Diagnose the Problem

Urinary incontinence comes in many forms and has many causes. You might have stress incontinence, which results from the weakening of the bladder muscles; urine will usually escape when you laugh, cough, sneeze or exercise. You might have urge incontinence, which is signalled by a sudden intense need to urinate, often with involuntary results. You might have overflow incontinence, which means that urine escapes slowly in dribbles rather than ever coming out all at once.

You might think that you know what kind of incontinence you're suffering from, but the truth is that a gynaecologist will be able to get a much better idea.

2. They Can Suggest Treatment

There are many ways that you can treat urinary incontinence. Some people will benefit from performing muscle strengthening exercises, such as Kegels. In some cases, it will be best to take medication, and such medication will normally only be available with a prescription from your doctor. You may also benefit from wearing either a collection system or an absorbent protector.

The point is that any method of treatment is something of a shot in the dark if you don't work under the advice of a gynaecologist. Strengthening exercises might not be needed, or there might be a proper set or timetable that you need to follow. It could be that wearing one type of collection system or an absorbent will be better than using another. A gynaecologist will work to understand your unique position and provide a treatment plan that works. In some cases, you might be told that surgery will be the most effective solution, which is certainly something you will need to see a doctor for.

3. They Can Alert You to Other Problems

It could be that your urinary incontinence has been caused by pregnancy or ageing. However, the issue can also be caused by more serious health concerns, and these should be addressed as swiftly as possible. Overflow incontinence, for example, can be caused by an injury to the spinal cord injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis or a damaged bladder, while urge incontinence may be down to a urinary tract infection or bowel problems. A gynaecologist will be able to help determine whether anything else is the matter.