Urinary incontinence, the unintentional loss of bladder control, is one of the most common issues women face as they age. It can happen in social settings, during exercise, or even while resting, and it often leads to embarrassment and lifestyle changes that many women quietly accept. At the office of Gwynn Patterson, M.D., FACOG, we take a different approach. You do not have to live with bladder leakage. Dr. Patterson offers personalized care that starts with the least invasive and lowest dosage options, always focused on restoring comfort and confidence with as little intervention as possible.

Understanding Urinary Incontinence

Although often grouped under one name, urinary incontinence comes in several forms. Stress incontinence occurs when pressure on the bladder leads to leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Urge incontinence is the sudden, strong need to urinate that is followed by leakage. Some women experience both, which is known as mixed incontinence. Another type, overflow incontinence, happens when the bladder does not fully empty and dribbling continues afterward. Each type has different triggers and solutions, which is why an individualized treatment plan is so important.

Conservative and Least Invasive Care

Dr. Patterson believes in beginning with the simplest and most conservative steps. Many women notice improvement by making small adjustments in daily life, such as managing fluid intake, avoiding bladder irritants, or setting up a regular bathroom schedule. Strengthening the pelvic floor through Kegel exercises is another cornerstone of conservative care. These exercises can often be guided and supported by physical therapy, offering noticeable results without medication or surgery.

In some cases, a vaginal pessary can provide support to reduce leakage. A pessary is a small, removable device that comfortably sits inside the vagina and helps relieve pressure on the bladder. This option is especially helpful for women who prefer a non-medication approach but still want effective control.

Low-Dosage and Targeted Treatment

If additional care is needed, Dr. Patterson uses the lowest effective dosage to reduce side effects and protect overall health. A common option for post-menopausal women is low-dose topical estrogen. This treatment can restore strength and elasticity to tissues in the urinary tract, improving bladder function in a gentle way.

When medications are required, Dr. Patterson prescribes them conservatively. By starting at the lowest dosage, she balances symptom relief with the goal of minimizing side effects. For women who do not respond adequately to these methods, non-surgical procedures may be discussed. These can include office-based treatments such as nerve stimulation therapy, which helps regulate bladder signals without the need for invasive surgery.

Regain Control and Confidence

Urinary incontinence is common, but it is not something you have to live with. Even small improvements in bladder control can make a big difference in daily life. Whether your symptoms are mild or more disruptive, help is available.

Schedule a private consultation at the office of Gwynn Patterson, M.D., FACOG and learn about treatments that are gentle, effective, and focused on your well-being. By beginning with the least invasive and lowest dosage options, Dr. Patterson ensures that you get the relief you need in the most natural way possible.