Urinary Incontinence Care at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Urinary Incontinence at University of Colorado Hospital?
The Urology and Urodynamics Clinic at University of Colorado Hospital is recognized nationally for its care. Our doctors have training in caring for a variety of urologic conditions, including incontinence. We offer our patients access to the latest research and testing and treatment options. Our urologists are the only group in the region with fellowship training in a number of sub-specialties, including:
- Oncology
- Urogynecology
- Laparoscopy
- Stone disease
- Pediatric urology
- Reproductive and sexual medicine
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Incontinence is the inability to control your bladder funcion. It can range from periodically leaking small amounts of urine, to not being able to hold any urine in your bladder. It is most common among women, and the elderly. Incontinence can be temporary or long-term. Some of the more common causes of urinary incontinence include:
- Cystocele (fallen bladder)
- Urethral hypermobility
- Post-hysterectomy incontinence
- Neurological diseases
- Urinary retention
There are four types of urinary incontinence.
Stress incontinence – urine is leaked during activities like laughing, sneezing, coughing or physical movement.
Urge incontinence – urine is involuntarily passed immediately after a sudden urge to urinate. This happens when muscles in the bladder wall contract uncontrolably.
Total incontinence – an abnormal passage forms between the bladder and vagina. This causes urine to leak continually.
Overflow incontinence – muslces prevent the bladder from emptying completely. This causes the bladder to overlfow and empty involuntarily.
Kidney, Bladder and Urinary Research
University of Colorado Hospital urologists participate in a variety of research activities. The research laboratory is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Research is conducted in a number of areas, including:
- Pediatric urology
- Voiding dysfunction
- Urinary stone disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Urologic oncology
- Minimally invasive approaches to urologic surgery