Urinary incontinence—the involuntary leakage of urine—is a highly common and treatable medical condition affecting both men and women. At Fore River Urology in South Portland, Maine, our fellowship-trained specialists provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and advanced treatments for all types of bladder control issues, including stress incontinence, overactive bladder (urge incontinence), and mixed incontinence.
What Are the Different Types of Urinary Incontinence?
Identifying the precise type of urinary leakage is the critical first step in determining the most effective treatment plan. The primary types of incontinence include:
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Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Urine leakage triggered by physical pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, heavy lifting, or exercising.
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Common causes: Childbirth, menopause, or a side effect of male prostate surgery.
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Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder / OAB): A sudden, intense, and uncontrollable urge to urinate, often resulting in leakage before reaching a bathroom.
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Overflow Incontinence: A condition where the bladder does not empty completely during urination, causing the overly full bladder to constantly or frequently “dribble” urine.
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Mixed Incontinence: Experiencing simultaneous symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence.
How We Diagnose Urinary Incontinence
Accurate diagnosis requires specialized expertise. Fore River Urology utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the root cause of your bladder control issues. Your evaluation may include:
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Comprehensive Clinical Consultation: A detailed review of your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle goals.
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Bladder Diary Analysis: Tracking your daily fluid intake and urination frequency.
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Urodynamic Testing: The gold standard in bladder physiology testing to measure exactly how well your bladder stores and releases urine.
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Post-Void Residual (PVR) Ultrasound: A quick, painless imaging scan to measure any urine left in the bladder after urination.
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Cystoscopy: A minimally invasive, in-office procedure using a highly flexible, thin camera to visually inspect the inner lining of the urethra and bladder.
Advanced Urinary Incontinence Treatments in Southern Maine
Fore River Urology offers a full spectrum of evidence-based therapies, ranging from conservative lifestyle adjustments to state-of-the-art surgical interventions.
Conservative & Non-Surgical Therapies
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Behavioral and fluid management modifications
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Targeted prescription medications to relax the bladder muscle
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Solutions When conservative measures are insufficient, our fellowship-trained urologists perform advanced, minimally invasive procedures:
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Urethral Sling Surgery: The definitive gold standard for correcting stress incontinence in both men and women.
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Bladder Neuromodulation (Axonics/InterStim®): An implanted “pacemaker for the bladder” that corrects abnormal nerve signals causing overactive bladder.
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Urethral Bulking Agents (Bulkamid®): Quick, in-office injections that add volume to the urethra to prevent leaks.
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Bladder BOTOX® Injections: A highly effective treatment to calm an overactive, spasming bladder muscle.
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Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS): A highly reliable implanted device for men experiencing severe stress incontinence after prostate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Urinary Incontinence
Is urinary incontinence a normal part of aging? No. While the risk of incontinence increases as you age or after events like childbirth and prostate surgery, it is not something you just have to “live with.” It is a medical condition with highly effective treatment options available.
Do I need surgery to fix my urinary incontinence? Not necessarily. Many patients see dramatic improvements with non-surgical treatments like pelvic floor physical therapy, dietary changes, or oral medications. Surgery is typically recommended only when these conservative methods fail to provide adequate relief.
Why choose a fellowship-trained urologist for incontinence surgery? Pelvic floor anatomy is highly complex. Fellowship-trained urologists have completed years of additional, highly specialized surgical training specifically focused on pelvic reconstruction and incontinence. This advanced expertise is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring long-lasting, successful outcomes.
Take Control of Your Bladder Health Today
You do not have to manage bladder leaks on your own. Fore River Urology offers a compassionate, patient-centered environment where you can request either a male or female provider based on your comfort level.
Request an Appointment
Call our South Portland office directly at 207-518-6600 to schedule your consultation.
Helpful online information about incontinence can be found at the Urology Care Foundation and the National Association for Continence.
