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If you are living near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and struggling with urinary incontinence, you do not have to manage this condition on your own. Dr. Darren Lazare and his dedicated team offer compassionate, individualized care for patients seeking effective solutions. Urinary incontinence can affect your confidence, your daily routine, and your overall quality of life, but with the right support, you can see significant improvements and get back to living a full life.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of bladder control, resulting in unintended leakage of urine. It is a medical condition that can range from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to experiencing a sudden, strong urge to urinate that does not allow enough time to reach a restroom. While many women feel embarrassed to discuss this condition, it is far more common than most realize and has a wide range of available treatments.
There are several distinct types of urinary incontinence, each with its own causes and characteristics:
- Stress Incontinence: Urine leaks when physical pressure is placed on the bladder, such as during exercise, laughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. This type commonly results from weakened pelvic floor muscles or a compromised urethral sphincter.
- Urge Incontinence: Also known as overactive bladder, this type is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. Nerve damage, bladder infections, and certain neurological conditions can all contribute to urge incontinence.
- Mixed Incontinence: Some individuals experience a combination of stress and urge incontinence simultaneously, which can make diagnosis and treatment planning more complex.
- Overflow Incontinence: When the bladder does not empty completely, it can overflow and cause frequent or constant dribbling of urine. This type is often associated with an obstruction or a bladder that does not contract normally.
Understanding which type of incontinence you are experiencing is the first step toward finding an effective treatment approach. Dr. Lazare will help you accurately identify the underlying cause before recommending a personalized care plan.
Who is At Risk for Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence can happen at any stage of life, but some experiences can make it more likely. Understanding these factors can help you tune into your body and know when it’s time to seek support. Common contributors include:
- Age: As the body ages, the muscles that support the bladder and control urination naturally weaken. Older adults are more likely to experience some degree of bladder control difficulty, though incontinence is not considered a normal or unavoidable part of aging.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: Vaginal delivery, in particular, can stretch and damage the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, contributing to stress incontinence. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect bladder function.
- Menopause: The decline in estrogen that accompanies menopause can lead to deterioration of the lining of the bladder and urethra, increasing the risk of incontinence.
- Prostate Conditions: In men, an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer treatments such as surgery or radiation can disrupt bladder control. Prostate issues are among the leading causes of incontinence in male patients.
- Obesity: Excess body weight places increased pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles. This added stress can trigger leakage and worsen existing incontinence symptoms.
- Neurological Conditions: Disorders that affect nerve signaling, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries, can interfere with the signals the brain sends to the bladder, resulting in unpredictable urinary control.
If any of these factors feel familiar, a conversation with Dr. Lazare can be a helpful first step. Together, you can explore your options and find supportive ways to improve your bladder health and feel more in control day to day.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment Benefits
Seeking help for urinary incontinence can make a meaningful difference in your daily life. Many women delay care out of embarrassment or the belief that they just have to live with it, but effective treatments are available. Addressing it can improve your comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life. Some of the benefits you can look forward to when you reach out for treatment with Dr. Lazare include:
- Restored Confidence and Self-Esteem: Living with the constant worry of leakage can erode a person’s confidence in social and professional settings. Successful treatment allows patients to re-engage with activities they may have been avoiding and feel more secure in their bodies.
- Improved Physical Activity: Many individuals with incontinence avoid exercise or physical exertion because of the risk of leakage. With treatment, patients often find they can return to workouts, recreational sports, and active hobbies without the anxiety that previously held them back.
- Better Sleep Quality: Nocturia, or the need to urinate multiple times during the night, is a common complaint among those with urinary incontinence. Treating the underlying condition can reduce nighttime disruptions and lead to more restful, restorative sleep.
- Mental and Emotional Well-Being: The psychological toll of incontinence should not be underestimated. Anxiety, depression, and social isolation are common among those who have not sought treatment. Addressing the condition often leads to a notable improvement in emotional health and overall outlook.
Dr. Lazare offers a variety of treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific type and severity of incontinence. These may include pelvic floor rehabilitation, behavioural strategies, medication management, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical interventions when necessary. The surgeries we offer include periurethral bulking, retropubic sling TVT, and retropubic sling autologous fascia.
Schedule a Consultation
Taking the first step toward managing urinary incontinence begins with a consultation. Dr. Darren Lazare welcomes patients from Saskatoon and the surrounding communities who are ready to address their bladder health concerns in a supportive, private, and professional environment.
During your initial appointment, Dr. Lazare will take the time to listen to your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform any necessary evaluations to develop a clear picture of your condition.
To book your consultation, simply call our office or message us via our online contact form.
About Saskatoon
Saskatoon is Saskatchewan’s largest city and one of the most vibrant urban centers on the Canadian prairies. Situated along the South Saskatchewan River, the city is known for its striking bridges, its strong sense of community, and its dynamic mix of cultural institutions, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity. With a growing population that now surpasses 300,000 residents, Saskatoon has evolved into a hub for education, innovation, agriculture, and healthcare.
The city is home to the University of Saskatchewan, which draws students and researchers from across Canada and around the world. This academic presence contributes to a culture of learning and drives advances in science, medicine, and technology throughout the region. Saskatoon’s thriving arts scene, diverse dining options, and well-maintained parks and trails also make it an appealing place to live and raise a family.
Dr. Darren Lazare
Restorative Gynecology Surgeon | BLOG
Dr. Darren Lazare received his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia. He successfully completed his subspecialty fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Alberta. Dr. Lazare has been appointed as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia where he is the residency supervisor for the urogynecology program. He is a Surgeon Champion for the American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). He is a committed advocate for women’s health, medical education and quality improvement initiatives while maintaining a full clinical, reconstructive and cosmetic practice. Dr. Lazare’s professional memberships include the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine, the International Urogynecology Association, the International Continence Society and the American Urogynecology Society.