Urinary incontinence , the involuntary loss of urine, is a common and treatable condition affecting 30 to 50% of women. It can range from occasional leaks with coughing, sneezing, or exercising to frequent, uncontrollable urgency to empty your bladder. While it becomes more prevalent with age, urinary incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging and can affect women of all ages.
While this condition is widespread and affects millions of women worldwide, many women feel embarrassed to discuss it and seek treatment. Incontinence contributes to physical and social discomfort and embarrassment, hygiene issues, sleep disturbance, sexual embarrassment, and loss of autonomy. Understanding the type of incontinence, causes , and management options is a critical step in improving quality of life and reducing the stigma surrounding this condition.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary Incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. It’s not just a medical issue; it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, self-esteem, and social interactions. Incontinence is more common than you might think and affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
Types and Symptoms of Incontinence
There are several types of incontinence, each with its own set of symptoms:
| Type of Incontinence | Symptom |
| Stress Incontinence | Leakage during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or lifting |
| Urge Incontinence | Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage |
| Overflow Incontinence | Frequent dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty completely |
| Functional Incontinence | Inability to reach the toilet in time due to physical or mental barriers |
| Mixed Incontinence | Combination of symptoms from stress and urge incontinence |
Who is at risk of Incontinence?
While incontinence can affect anyone, there are certain risk factors for incontinence – odds ratio (OR) is the likelihood of incontinence (ie. OR of 2 means risk is double):
- Age greater than 50 – OR 2.0
- Smoking – OR 2.0
- Elevated body mass index – OR 3.0
- Vaginal delivery – OR 4.7
- Vacuum assisted delivery – 5.1
- Forceps assisted delivery – 5.5
Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence
We specialize in non-surgical, surgical and innovative new technologies that can be tailored to each patient’s specific needs including:
- Pelvic floor muscles exercises
- Bladder training
- Medications
- Pessary fitting
- Radiofrequency with microneedling
- Platelet rich plasma
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgical interventions when necessary
Recovery and Management
Recovery from incontinence varies depending on the treatment. Many patients see significant improvement with conservative measures, while others may require a surgical intervention and greater recovery time to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Most patients return to light activities within a day to a couple of weeks of their procedure. Patients are instructed to avoid vigorous activity, swimming, or sexual activity for 6 weeks following surgery. You will be provided with specific instructions for post-operative care, including guidelines for hygiene, physical activity, and follow-up appointments.
Why Choose Dr. Darren Lazare for Incontinence Treatment in Vancouver?
Dr. Darren Lazare has completed a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and treats patients from across Canada. Here’s why patients choose our clinic:
- Extensive training and experience in treating all types of incontinence
- State-of-the-art facilities and treatment options
- Personalized care and attention to each patient’s unique needs
- Commitment to improving patients’ quality of life and restoring confidence
- Convenient locations in both Surrey and Vancouver
Regain Your Confidence with Expert Care
Living with incontinence doesn’t have to mean compromising your lifestyle or confidence. Dr. Darren Lazare and his team are dedicated to helping you regain control and improve your quality of life. We offer comprehensive care for incontinence, ensuring that our patients have access to the full range of options available.
Next Steps
Ready to address your incontinence concerns? Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Darren Lazare. Let’s work together to find the right solution for you and restore your confidence. Your journey to better bladder control starts here.
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.