Urinary incontinence is defined as any accidental or involuntary loss of urine. Urinary incontinence is a not a disease, but a symptom with many possible causes.

Many people assume incontinence is a normal part of aging. While it is common, it should never be considered normal. There are several treatments, and if one treatment is not satisfactory, another one should be evaluated.

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our physicians offer patients who suffer from incontinence the most effective and advanced treatments available. Some of these treatments are offered at only a few medical institutions in the world, including UT Southwestern. Our physicians were the first in North Texas to offer the botulinum toxin injection for neurogenic bladder dysfunction in men and women. In addition, our physicians offer unique treatments, like electrical stimulation, to patients who are unresponsive to other therapies.

Our urology specialists are committed to designing treatment plans that are uniquely suited for each patient's needs. Some of the treatments we offer include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Exercise
• Biofeedback
• Drug therapy
• Palliative measures
• In-office procedures
• Incontinence surgery

UT Southwestern physicians have outstanding expertise in urodynamic studies – the use of x-ray imaging to help diagnose the causes of incontinence.

The medical center’s clinical trials program gives patients access to treatments that are often unavailable at other health-care facilities. Depending on the specific condition and the type of incontinence, UT Southwestern can offer patients therapies that show particular promise years before the therapies are offered to the public.

Our experience in conducting some of the most advanced research into the causes and cures for incontinence enables UT Southwestern to provide patients with the best possible medical treatments – all in a caring and compassionate environment.

Female patients with bladder dysfunction can also be treated by our gynecology service.