Urinary Incontinence Near Toronto

Urinary incontinence affects millions of people across Canada, yet it remains one of the most underreported and undertreated conditions in women’s health. Many patients spend years managing symptoms on their own, unaware that highly effective solutions exist. 

For those in the Toronto area seeking expert guidance from a fellowship-trained specialist, Dr. Darren Lazare provides personalized, evidence-based care designed to address the root cause of bladder control issues and help patients get back to living without limits.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine, a condition that can range in severity from minor, occasional leakage to frequent and disruptive episodes that interfere with everyday activities. Despite being common, it is not a normal or unavoidable part of aging or of having given birth, and it should not be dismissed as something patients simply have to accept.

The condition takes several different forms, and identifying which type a patient has is essential to determining the right treatment approach. The types of urinary incontinence include

• Stress Incontinence: This is the most frequently encountered type among women. It occurs when sudden physical exertion places pressure on the bladder, overwhelming the ability of the pelvic floor and urethral sphincter to retain urine. Coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, or lifting heavy objects are common triggers. Stress incontinence is closely associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and hormonal changes related to menopause, all of which can weaken the supportive structures of the pelvic floor over time.
• Urge Incontinence: This type is characterized by an abrupt, intense need to urinate that arrives with little warning and is difficult to defer. Patients often describe leaking before they can reach a bathroom. It is frequently linked to an overactive bladder and can be triggered by running water, cold temperatures, or transitional moments such as arriving home or getting up from a chair.
• Overflow Incontinence: Overflow incontinence develops when the bladder fails to empty completely during urination, gradually filling beyond its capacity and causing a constant dribble or frequent small leaks. It can result from weakened detrusor muscles, a narrowed urethra, or nerve-related conditions that impair bladder signaling.
• Mixed Incontinence: This type describes the simultaneous presence of more than one type, most often a combination of stress and urge symptoms. This form requires a nuanced treatment plan that addresses each contributing factor.

The causes of urinary incontinence vary widely from patient to patient and may include pelvic floor muscle weakness, hormonal fluctuations, particularly around perimenopause and menopause, nerve damage from conditions such as diabetes, neurological disorders, obesity, certain medications, and a history of pelvic surgeries. A comprehensive evaluation allows Dr. Lazare to identify what is driving the condition in each case.

Treatment options also span a broad spectrum. Behavioral strategies such as timed voiding, bladder training, and targeted pelvic floor exercises are typically explored first. When conservative management is insufficient, medical and procedural options become appropriate. These include urethral bulking injections, which add volume around the urethra to improve closure; the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) retropubic sling, which supports the urethra with a small mesh strip placed through minimally invasive incisions; and the autologous fascia retropubic sling, which uses tissue harvested from the patient’s own body for those who prefer a synthetic-free approach. Each option carries distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on the type and severity of incontinence, the patient’s anatomy, and her personal preferences.

Who is a Candidate for Urinary Incontinence Treatment?

Urinary incontinence exists on a wide spectrum, and candidacy for treatment is assessed on an individual basis. A thorough consultation with Dr. Lazare allows patients to discuss their symptoms in detail and explore which treatment approach, whether conservative, minimally invasive, or surgical, is most appropriate for their circumstances.

Ideal Candidates for Urinary Incontinence Treatment Near Toronto Are:

• Women who experience involuntary urine leakage on a regular basis that disrupts work, physical activity, travel, sleep, or social engagements
• Patients who have tried conservative treatments such as pelvic floor strengthening, bladder retraining, or dietary modifications without achieving satisfactory relief
• Those dealing with stress incontinence triggered by movement, exertion, or sudden pressure on the abdomen, including sneezing, laughing, or exercise
• Individuals with urge incontinence or mixed incontinence who find that unpredictable urgency and leakage are limiting their independence.
• Women in good general health without underlying conditions that would pose undue risk if a minimally invasive or surgical procedure is warranted
• Patients with realistic expectations who understand that outcomes vary by individual but that many women experience significant, lasting improvement following treatment

Every patient who comes to Dr. Lazare receives a personalized assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Some patients are excellent candidates for a simple office-based procedure, while others are better suited to a more involved surgical option. The consultation process is designed to ensure that the chosen approach aligns with each patient’s goals, anatomy, and overall health profile.

Benefits of Urinary Incontinence Treatment

Choosing to seek treatment for urinary incontinence is an investment not just in physical health, but in overall well-being. The benefits are countless, but some of the most common we hear about regularly include:

• Freedom from Constant Planning and Anxiety: Many patients describe spending enormous mental energy mapping out bathrooms, limiting fluid intake, and avoiding situations that might lead to embarrassment. Effective treatment lifts that burden, restoring a sense of ease and spontaneity that incontinence can quietly erode over time.
• Greater Participation in Physical Activity: Stress incontinence is a common reason women scale back or abandon exercise altogether. Reducing or eliminating leakage allows patients to return to fitness activities they enjoy, which in turn supports cardiovascular health, weight management, and emotional well-being.
• Improved Sleep and Daily Energy: Patients with urge incontinence frequently wake multiple times overnight to use the bathroom, leading to chronic sleep disruption. Addressing the underlying cause often results in uninterrupted sleep and noticeably higher energy levels during the day.
• Stronger Intimate Connections: Urinary leakage during intimacy is a source of significant distress and self-consciousness for many patients. Successful treatment can remove this barrier and help restore confidence and openness in personal relationships.
• Healthier Skin and Reduced Infection Risk: Chronic exposure to moisture caused by frequent leakage can irritate delicate skin and create conditions favorable to recurring urinary tract infections. Treating incontinence at its source reduces these secondary complications.
• Long-Term, Durable Outcomes: Patients can anticipate meaningful, sustained improvement rather than temporary symptom management. 

Schedule a Consultation

Taking the first step toward treating urinary incontinence begins with a conversation with an expert. Dr. Darren Lazare is a fellowship-trained urogynecologist who completed advanced subspecialty training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Alberta, following his residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia. 

With over a decade of experience in reconstructive and cosmetic gynecological surgery and a practice built on individualized, patient-centered care, Dr. Lazare is uniquely qualified to help patients find lasting relief from urinary incontinence. To schedule your consultation, call our office or reach out through our online request form.

About Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a global hub for finance, culture, technology, and healthcare. Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, the city is home to a diverse population of nearly three million residents within its boundaries, with the greater metropolitan area extending to well over six million people. Toronto’s neighbourhoods are as varied as its population, from the historic streets of Cabbagetown and Kensington Market to the gleaming towers of the Financial District and the waterfront communities along the lakeshore.

As one of North America’s most cosmopolitan cities, Toronto offers residents access to world-class arts, cuisine, sports, and education. It consistently ranks among the most livable cities in the world, drawing newcomers from across Canada and internationally who are drawn to its economic opportunities and vibrant urban character.

For patients in Toronto and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area, finding a specialist with the right credentials and clinical depth to address complex urogynecological concerns can be a priority. Dr. Lazare welcomes patients traveling from Toronto and the broader Ontario region.