Leaking a small amount of urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise is a common pattern of stress urinary incontinence, or SUI. Many women still do not mention these episodes because they feel embarrassed or assume bladder leakage is simply part of childbirth or aging. At Skin MD and Beyond in Plano, TX, Fiona Wright, MD evaluates urinary incontinence concerns and discusses whether services at our office are appropriate. Dr. Wright serves as a National Advisory Panel Expert for ThermiVA and examines patients before recommending the procedure.
What Does Stress Urinary Incontinence Look Like?
SUI occurs when physical pressure on the bladder leads to involuntary urine leakage. A workout, a hard laugh, a cough, or even a sneeze may be enough to trigger it. For some women, the amount is small. For others, the possibility of leakage starts affecting exercise, clothing choices, travel, or social plans.
Our urinary incontinence page identifies SUI as the most common form of urinary incontinence in women. It also notes that the real number of people affected may be higher than reported because many never tell a doctor about their symptoms.
Why Do Women Normalize Bladder Leakage?
Pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, and aging are often part of the conversation around bladder control. Because these experiences are so common, it can be easy to assume leakage is something women are expected to live with.
Stress incontinence can occur when support around the urethra and bladder neck is reduced. When pressure rises inside the abdomen, that weakened support may allow urine to escape. Our earlier article on stress urinary incontinence causes and treatment options goes further into the mechanics behind SUI.
When Should You Bring It Up With a Medical Provider?
If urinary leakage changes the way you exercise, socialize, dress, or plan your day, bring it up with a medical provider. Not every bladder symptom is stress incontinence, so an evaluation can help clarify what is happening before any procedure is considered.
Our site includes information about vaginal rejuvenation and ThermiVA for women researching SUI. Dr. Wright reviews each patient’s history and performs an examination before deciding whether ThermiVA is appropriate. Some urinary concerns may call for a different type of medical evaluation or care.
Schedule a Private Consultation in Plano, TX
Bladder leakage can be difficult to bring up, but a private consultation gives you space to describe when it happens and how often. Skin MD and Beyond sees patients with urinary concerns in Plano, TX. Call 972-608-0808 or contact us to arrange a consultation with Dr. Wright and learn which options may fit your situation.
