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Patient Education

Urinary Incontinence

Thoughtful, discreet evaluation and management to help you regain comfort and confidence in everyday life.

Urinary incontinence — the unintentional loss of bladder control — is common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. In her primary care practice in Los Angeles, Dr. Golian evaluates the cause, rules out reversible factors such as a urinary tract infection, and builds a calm, personalized plan to help you feel like yourself again.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

  • Leaking urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise
  • A sudden, urgent need to urinate that is hard to control
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom or waking at night to urinate
  • Leaking on the way to the toilet or before you reach it
  • A feeling that the bladder never fully empties
  • New blood in the urine or pain, which should be evaluated promptly

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Pregnancy, childbirth, or weakening of the pelvic floor muscles
  • Menopause and the hormonal changes that affect bladder tissue
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections or bladder irritation
  • An enlarged prostate or other prostate concerns in men
  • Certain medications, caffeine, alcohol, and constipation
  • Diabetes, obesity, and neurologic conditions affecting nerve signals

How Dr. Golian Manages Urinary Incontinence

Care begins with an unhurried conversation and a focused exam to identify which type of incontinence you have. Dr. Golian typically orders a urinalysis to check for infection and reviews your medications and habits for reversible contributors.

Many patients improve with first-line measures such as pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, fluid and caffeine adjustments, and a lifestyle modification plan; managing related conditions like weight or diabetes often helps as well.

When symptoms are persistent or complex, she arranges a urology or pelvic health referral, coordinating care including specialists at Cedars-Sinai so the right specialist sees you without delay.

Living Well with Bladder Health

Small, steady changes make a real difference. Staying active, treating recurrent infections promptly, easing constipation, and pacing your fluids can reduce leaks and urgency over time.

You don't have to navigate this alone or accept it as a normal part of aging — Dr. Golian will revisit your plan and adjust it until you feel comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Is urinary incontinence just a normal part of getting older?
No. While it becomes more common with age, incontinence is a medical condition, not an inevitable one — most people improve significantly with the right evaluation and treatment.
2What can I do at home to reduce leaks?
Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, bladder training, limiting caffeine and alcohol, staying at a healthy weight, and avoiding constipation can all help. Dr. Golian will tailor these to your specific type of incontinence.
3Do I need surgery to fix it?
Usually not. Most patients respond well to conservative measures like lifestyle changes, pelvic floor therapy, and treating underlying causes. Surgery is considered only when these steps aren't enough, and a specialist would guide that decision.
4When should I see a doctor about bladder leaks?
Any time leaks affect your comfort, sleep, or daily life it's worth discussing. See your doctor promptly if you notice blood in the urine, pain, fever, or a sudden change in your bladder habits.
5Will Dr. Golian refer me to a specialist?
When symptoms are persistent or complex, she coordinates a urology or pelvic health referral with specialists including those affiliated with Cedars-Sinai so your care stays connected and seamless.

Take the First Step Toward Confident Bladder Control

If urinary incontinence is affecting your daily life, Dr. Golian offers a discreet, compassionate evaluation and a plan built around you.

Schedule a Consultation

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.