Urinary Incontinence
What Is It?
Involuntary leakage of urine. Types: stress (leaks with cough/sneeze/exercise), urgency (sudden urge to void), overflow (incomplete emptying), mixed. Common in women and older adults.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Voiding diary, ICIQ questionnaire, post-void residual measurement, urinalysis. Urodynamic testing for complex cases.
How Is It Treated?
Lifestyle: weight loss, fluid management, avoid caffeine. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel) for stress and urgency. Bladder training for urgency. Anticholinergics (oxybutynin) or beta-3 agonists (mirabegron) for urgency incontinence. Pessary or surgery for stress.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
Urinalysis and culture, post-void residual, voiding diary, cough stress test.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. Urinalysis: $15-$25. Mirabegron: $200-$300/month. Oxybutynin (generic): $10-$20/month.