Behavior modification
You change how much and when you drink and use the bathroom at scheduled times. This retrains your bladder.
Overview
About female urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is when urine leaks out from the bladder when you don’t want it to. It can affect people of all ages with approximately 40% of females experiencing some form of it by the age of 40.
Many factors can increase your risk for developing urinary incontinence. Pregnancy, giving birth and hormonal changes from menopause are factors that can cause weakening of the pelvic floor muscles putting pressure on the bladder. Nerve damage from a medical condition can also cause urine to leak.
We understand, and we can help. We specialize in treating urinary incontinence and other female pelvic health issues. With sensitivity and care, we’ll listen to your needs and develop a plan to help you feel better.
Symptoms
We're here for you
It can be embarrassing and stressful when you develop issues with bladder control. Coughing, laughing, exercise and other daily activities can lead to unexpected urine leakage. You may also have a sudden urge to use the bathroom, and leak before you can get to the toilet. With urine leakage you may stop activities that you enjoy. You may worry about not being able to quickly find a bathroom.
Diagnosis
Help starts here
While female urinary incontinence is very common, it’s not something you just have to live with no matter your age. Our urologists and urogynecologists have successfully helped many patients just like you.
To better understand the cause of your bladder issues, your doctor will take your medical history and conduct a gentle physical examination. They might also ask you to complete a bladder diary of your symptoms.
If needed, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:
Treatments
How we can help
UW Health offers a variety of treatments to help alleviate your bladder symptoms and improve your life. Treatment depends on the type of incontinence. We will talk with you about the treatment options to create a treatment plan to meet your needs.
Nonsurgical treatments
Physical therapy
A physical therapist works with you on behavior modification, education and exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor and bladder muscles.
Biofeedback
You use devices to measure your muscle strength while performing pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Insertable devices
A ring-shaped device called a pessary is placed in your vagina. The pessary supports your bladder or uterus. This takes pressure off your bladder.
Medications
There are medicines that control urge incontinence. They work best when taken for long-term use.
Surgical treatments
Urethra injections
A treatment for when the urethra is weak, a bulking agent like collagen is injected near the opening of your bladder. This narrows the opening and reduces leakage.
Botox injections
If the bladder muscle is too tense or the bladder spasms, Botox can be injected into the bladder wall using a cystoscope (a thin camera placed through the urethra tube). This causes the bladder muscle to relax and reduces leaking.
Neuromodulation
A device like a pacemaker is implanted into the low back to stimulate the bladder nerves. If your urge incontinence doesn't respond to behavioral changes or medicine, this may be a good option for you.
Slings
Surgery repairs weakened tissue to support the urethra. A mesh material called a sling is placed to support the urethra. Another option uses a tissue graft from your own body to create a sling.
Meet our team
Patient-centered care
Pelvic floor disorders, including female incontinence, can benefit from multidisciplinary care. Our team includes specialists in obstetrics, gynecology, reconstructive surgery, urology, pelvic floor physical therapy and sexual health.
Our experts are sensitive to the personal nature of pelvic floor disorders, and you can be assured that you will be treated with respect and compassion. We’re here to support you.
Sari Archer, NP
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Julia Berian, MD, MS
Colon and Rectal SurgeryElizabeth Bloom, PT
Physical TherapyMegan Buja, PA
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic SurgeryMeghan Burge, LCSW
Behavioral HealthEvie Carchman, MD, FACS
Colon and Rectal Surgery
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Locations
Where compassion and convenient care meet
When you need expert care for pelvic floor disorders, UW Health is here for you. Choose from several locations throughout Madison, including the new Eastpark Medical Center, or our location in Rockford, Illinois.
Eastpark Medical Center, located on Madison’s east side, houses the Integrated Specialty Care for Women Clinic with multiple specialties under one roof, making it easier to get the care you need. Learn more about Eastpark Medical Center.
Eastpark Medical Center Integrated Specialty Care for Women
Eastpark Medical Center Urology Clinic
1 S Park St Medical Center Urology Clinic
University Hospital Urology Clinic
East Madison Hospital Pelvic Floor Disorders Physical Therapy Clinic
Science Dr Medical Center Pelvic Floor Disorders Physical Therapy Clinic
N Alpine Rd Clinic Urogynecology Clinic
Patient and support services
Additional resources
We’re happy to share more information and answer all your questions during your visit. In the meantime, we recommend these trusted sources to help you understand your symptoms and possible treatment options.
Health Facts for You
Health Facts for You has detailed information about conditions and treatments at UW Health.
Healthwise® Knowledgebase
The Healthwise® Knowledgebase features a wide range of topics about health conditions and treatments.
American Urogynecological Society
The American Urogynecological Society offers educational fact sheets on a variety of conditions and treatments. Fact sheets are also available in Spanish.
International Urogynecological Association
The International Urogynecological Association offers detailed information on many conditions and treatments. Information is available in several languages.
Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction
The Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) offers resources on bladder problems, UTIs and more.