Urinary Incontinence Specialist

Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, and our state-of-the-art facility, are fully equipped to diagnose the most effective way to help with every form of incontinence. Therapeutic options include biofeedback, medication, nerve stimulators, bladder Botox, and surgery. Most of our treatments are offered in the office and do not require hospitalization. Patients often travel to New York City from around the country to be treated by Dr. Kavaler. No one has to live with the discomfort, inconvenience, or humiliation of urinary incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence Q & A

FAQ

Below you will find answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you don't find the answer you are looking for, please contact us at (212) 218-3900

What is incontinence?

Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine. There are two main types of urinary incontinence. They include stress incontinence and urgency incontinence. Stress incontinence is when a person loses urine while coughing, laughing, or sneezing. Urgency incontinence is when urine is lost with the sudden need to urinate. Sometimes the entire bladder can empty before getting to the toilet. Many people suffer from both types. We call that mixed urinary incontinence. Any type of incontinence can disrupt an individual’s everyday routine and cause them to feel less confident when participating in social activities.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of urinary incontinence are the loss of urine without the intention of urinating. Essentially, wetting your underpants, or worse, wetting your clothes or even the chair that you are sitting on. If you have an accident like this, you are not alone, and we can help you as we have helped thousands of others.

How is this problem treated?

Urgency incontinence, which is where urine is lost when there is an urge to urinate, is treated with behavior modification, medication, Botox injections into the bladder, and implantation of a nerve stimulator. Stress urinary incontinence is treated with pelvic floor muscle exercises, intra-urethral bulking agents, and surgery.

A variety of medications might help you have more normal urination. These include medications that encourage nerve activity, medications for bladder relaxation, and other options. Other treatment choices include bladder catheters or having one of a few different surgical options. Some lifestyle changes might also help. You can learn exercises that build strength in the muscles of the pelvic floor and pay attention to your urination pattern. As one of Manhattan’s top Urologists, Dr. Kavaler will help you decide on the best course of action for your specific situation