Urinary incontinence caused by cervical disc issue, maybe?

[Anonymous]

I'm a 42 y.o. female in excellent physical shape generally. I've never given birth. In the past month or so, I've started to experience urinary incontinence. It's so embarrassing. I'll feel like I have to go, and before I can get to the bathroom, some urine comes out.

Today, I was driving on a long car trip, and I discovered that I had wet myself. I didn't even feel it this time-- it just happened and I discovered it when I used the restroom later. So gross and embarrassing. I'm too embarrassed to tell anyone about this, other than anonymous internet people.

Why is this happening?

My fear is that it's something serious. I have a herniated cervical disc-- C5. Could it be causing nerve damage or something that would cause urinary incontinence? It causes pain and stiffness in my neck and upper back, and sometimes tingling in my left arm and hand, but no symptoms that I would consider severe.

Has anybody else experienced this? If you go to an ob/gyn for urinary incontinence, how do they diagnose and treat it? I'm embarrassed to even call to make an appointment.

[Anonymous]

Spinal issues can cause urinary incontinence in extreme cases, but that is by far the least likely explanation here. You probably have some type of uterine or bladder issue. I don't know exactly how this is diagnosed but probably involves an ultrasound first to find out what's going on, and then medication or possibly laparoscopic surgery to treat. It is very, very common and nothing to be ashamed of. But if you can find a urogynecologist rather than your regular OB/gyn, that might skip a step and make the process go faster.

[Anonymous]

OP here-- thank you! I never would have thought to look for a urogynecologist but I will do so in the morning. Thank you so much!

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP.

This practice is very good:
http://www.midatlanticpelvicsurgery.com/conditions/da-vinci-conditions/gynecologic-conditions

as is here:
http://www.whcenter.org/body.cfm?id=557591

(don't see Dr. Dupont--she's a urologist not a urogyn. I felt traumatized after my appointment with her.)

there are also physical therapists who deal with pelvic floor issues. I'd see a doctor first.

[Anonymous]

There are always management methods if you are embarased to see a doctor but it would be the best idea to make an apointment. I use Conni underwear... a little bit comes out sometimes. The Conni panties look and feel like normal panties and I have the confidence to keep doing things, knowing no one else has any idea I am leaking a bit. have a look at there website www.conniusa.com.