Urinary Incontinence Specialist
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Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Manish Gopal, MD, MSCE
Urogynecologist located in Somerset, NJ & Freehold, NJ
Lack of bladder control affects an estimated 51 million women. Urinary incontinence isn’t an inevitable effect of aging or childbirth. Consult with urogynecologist Dr. Manish Gopal to evaluate your bladder function and find the best solution for your symptoms. Make an appointment with Dr. Gopal at the Somerset, New Jersey or Freehold, New Jersey location of the Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. Call the office or use the online booking agent.
Urinary Incontinence Q & A
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a broad term that describes the inability to control the flow of urine from your body. Stress incontinence is the term for urine that leaks when you cough, sneeze, or exercise. Urge incontinence is when you have a sudden, intense urge to urinate and often can’t make it to the bathroom in time.
What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?
Symptoms of urinary incontinence that indicate the need for medical intervention:
- Unplanned, sudden urine loss while sleeping or during the day
- Leaking of urine when you laugh, jump, or cough
- Frequent, sudden urges to urinate
Behavioral adaptations, such as wearing pads or liners to catch urine or planning events around finding a restroom facility, indicate you may benefit from treatment.
How is bladder function evaluated?
Dr. Gopal asks that you keep a bladder diary. He also performs a pelvic exam and a variety of bladder function tests, known as urodynamics. You may also undergo cystoscopy, a procedure that allows him to examine the inside of your bladder.
What are the surgical solutions for urinary incontinence?
A mid-urethral sling system is for patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence. During this minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Gopal places a “sling” to support the urethra during times of increased abdominal pressure to prevent accidental urine leakage.
Dr. Gopal offers sacral neuromodulation therapy to address urge incontinence. Interstim® therapy uses electrical pulses to stimulate nerves in order to decrease symptoms of urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence. Interstim® -- commonly known as the bladder pacemaker -- helps women with an overactive bladder that have not responded to medications and behavioral therapy.
Are there non-surgical therapies for urinary incontinence?
Non surgical therapies include pelvic floor rehabilitation, the use of medications and pessaries, vaginal devices -- much like a diaphragm -- that block the urine flow.
Dr. Gopal sometimes recommends peri-urethral bulking agents as an alternative to a surgical procedure in women with stress incontinence. These injections involve thickening the urethral lining, so the urethra closes more tightly. Dr. Gopal prescribes certain medications to help restore bladder control in women with urge incontinence.
What behavioral modifications treat urinary incontinence?
Simple lifestyle changes can improve your symptoms in some women. These include more frequent visits to the restroom, abstaining from drinking liquids at night, and limiting intake of caffeine and alcohol. Postural changes, such as not crossing your legs, may also reduce your incontinence symptoms.
