Ask the Experts

Questions from patients about a variety of urologic topics and answers from our urology experts. Ask the Experts has appeared in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Q: Ever since the birth of my last child I leak a few drops of urine when I cough, laugh, or sneeze. I’ve been doing pelvic muscle exercises for the past 3 months, but I still need to wear several pads every day. Are there any treatments that can make me stop leaking?

A: Leakage of urine caused by coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects or exercising is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI). SUI is caused by weakening of the natural support of the bladder and urethra. SUI is rare in young women, but it is more common after multiple vaginal childbirths and after menopause. Some women with mild SUI may improve with pelvic muscle exercises, but many women have difficulty contracting these muscles properly. Pelvic floor biofeedback therapy is a non-invasive office treatment that can train the brain and pelvic muscles to work together properly. Medications can help some women who have “overactive bladder”, but medications alone usually cannot improve the bladder support. Women with more bothersome SUI may get complete cure of the incontinence from a minimally-invasive surgery that restores the support of the bladder and urethra. These surgeries are outpatient procedures and are performed through a small, virtually painless incision in the vagina. Most women are back to normal activity within a few days of the procedure, and more than 85% of women have complete cure of their stress incontinence. Monterey Bay Urology Associates have extensive experience in all forms of incontinence treatment, including pelvic floor biofeedback therapy and minimally-invasive incontinence surgery. More information about incontinence is available on our website www.montereybayurology.com.