KING 5 New Day Northwest: Karny Jacoby, MD, Talks Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a condition that affects many Americans of all genders; however, women are particularly impacted by the condition, with roughly half of American women 65+ and more than 40% of those ages 50 to 64 experiencing some type of UI.

From the interview: “It’s defined as the involuntary loss of urine and also, in some cases, people have accidental bowel leakage too,” said Karny Jacoby, MD, urogynecologist at Overlake Medical Center and Clinics. “It’s the involuntary loss when you’re doing different maneuvers or if you have a sudden urgency to go.”

The following are some of the different types of UI:

• Urge incontinence. This is when the need to urinate comes on very quickly. Often, you may not be able to get to a restroom in time. It’s common in people who have certain conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis. It may be a sign that these other conditions that need attention. It’s more common in older adults and may be a sign of a urinary tract infection or an overactive bladder.
• Stress incontinence. This is the most common type of incontinence. It’s more common in women. You may leak urine during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. Or when doing other movements that put pressure on the bladder.
• Functional incontinence. This is when you have urine control but can’t get to a restroom in time. This may be due to conditions that make it hard to move, such as arthritis.
• Overflow incontinence. This is the leakage of small amounts of urine caused by an over-filled bladder. It may feel like you can’t fully empty your bladder.
• Mixed incontinence. A mix of the types listed above.

For more information on the symptoms, causes and treatment options for UI, view the full interview with Dr. Jacoby on KING 5 New Day Northwest or visit the Overlake Health Library.