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Urinary Incontinence Specialist

Complete Healthcare for Women -  - OB-GYN

Complete Healthcare for Women

OB-GYNs located in Richland, WA

Urinary incontinence can seriously interfere with your quality of life. As many as 17% of women have the problem, and it rapidly increases as you age. It’s not a problem you should have to live with, however. Dr. Richard Lorenzo of Complete Healthcare for Women in Richland, Washington, can help identify the cause of your incontinence and offer treatment solutions.

Urinary Incontinence Q & A

Why have I lost control of my bladder?

There are two types of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence consists of slight leaks that happen when you laugh or cough. Urge incontinence, also called overactive bladder, makes it so you’re not able to reach the bathroom in time. Urge incontinence can interfere with your daily function if you skip events due to possible embarrassment. You may also have leaks at night when you sleep.

Women may develop either type of incontinence during pregnancy, or following childbirth. Menopause is another cause, due to the drop in estrogen. Aging can also result in the degeneration of the muscles of the bladder. It’s possible to suffer from a combination of the two as well.

Caffeine intake, certain medications, or bladder infections can be temporary causes of incontinence, too.

How can I deal with incontinence?

In mild cases of incontinence, pelvic floor exercises — known as Kegels — can help. The staff at Complete Healthcare for Women can explain how to do these on a regular basis to improve the strength of your pelvic floor and prevent urine from leaking. You might also change some of your habits, like making plans to urinate more frequently, cutting back on caffeine, and wearing light pads. Weight loss can also help resolve the issue, especially if you experience stress incontinence.

But these measures don’t help all women. If that’s the case for you, it’s time for a medical intervention.

What tests will I undergo?

Urinary incontinence treatment begins with an evaluation as to why you’re suffering. You might undergo a physical exam, ultrasound, urodynamic testing, and a bladder stress test. Which of these you’ll need depends on your symptoms and the doctor’s findings along the way.

How can Dr. Lorenzo help with urinary incontinence?

If your incontinence is due to weak bladder muscles or slack in your vaginal wall, the SeleneTouch vaginal rejuvenation procedure can help. The painless laser treatment helps restore function of the vagina if you’re experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as laxity, dryness, and thinning skin. Talk to Dr. Lorenzo to see if this is an option for you.

Dr. Lorenzo may also recommend other measures, including installation of a bladder sling or other device to treat incontinence.


Most Insurance Plans Accepted

At Complete Healthcare for Women, we participate with most insurance carriers. Here is a short list of plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance plan. If determined, we do not participate with your insurance company, we will submit claims for you as a courtesy. If the insurance company does not pay within 45-days, you will be responsible for payment of all charges.

Aetna
Assurant Health
Asuris Northwest Health
Cigna
Community Health Plan of Washington
Coventry
First Choice Health
Medicare
Molina Healthcare
Premera Blue Cross
Tricare
United Healthcare