Stress urinary incontinence treatment available in Portland, OR

Stress urinary incontinence affects approximately 8 million United States women. An estimated 17% of adult women have an overactive bladder. Dr. Adam Maddox and the team at Thrive in Portland, OR offers radiofrequency treatment to improve a woman’s quality of life.

Urinary incontinence involves the unintentional loss of urine. Stress incontinence occurs when specific physical movements such as coughing, sneezing, running, or heavy lifting place stress on the bladder leading to accidental urine loss. Stress incontinence is more common in women than in men. Patients who experience urinary incontinence are often embarrassed and may limit their outside personal and professional activities.

Symptoms of stress incontinence

Any activity that places pressure on the bladder increases the risk of urine leakage especially if the bladder is full. Although it may not happen with all physical activities, patients who experience stress incontinence may experience urine loss when:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Laughing
• Lifting heavy objects
• Exercising
• Having sex

As the bladder fills with urine, it expands. Normally, valve-like muscles stay closed to prevent leakage. When the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and the muscles that regulate urine release weaken, stress incontinence occurs. This can lead to frequent urination as patients try to continually empty their bladders to avoid involuntary leakage.

Causes or contributing factors

The muscles that support your bladder and regulate urine may lose strength due to childbirth, prostate surgery, or age. Smoking, obesity, previous pelvic surgery, years of high impact physical activity, or illnesses that cause chronic coughing or sneezing may contribute to or put patients at higher risk of stress urinary incontinence.

Treatment is available

Once symptoms are interfering with daily activities, it is time to seek professional help. Unfortunately, many women are embarrassed and wait to discuss the situation with their doctor. At Thrive, we utilize the Ultra Femme 360 from BTL Aesthetics. This radiofrequency treatment heats and tightens the vaginal muscles. It stimulates collagen production to provide better support of the bladder. Patients achieve results safely and efficiently without the risks of surgery.

Don’t be embarrassed by urinary incontinence. Contact Thrive today to schedule a consultation. (503) 928-6505