---
title: "Incontinence After Hysterectomy? | Sutter Health"
description: "I had a partial hysterectomy at 29. Now, at 43, I have bladder control problems with coughing or sneezing, and not making it to the restroom. This is not a small amount, even if I have recently gone. Is this related to the hysterectomy?"
url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/incontinence-after-hysterectomy-1051061394"
---

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2.  Incontinence After Hysterectomy?

# Incontinence After Hysterectomy?

* * *

Medically reviewed by

-   Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG

## Question

I had a partial hysterectomy at 29. Now, at 43, I have bladder control problems with coughing or sneezing, and not making it to the restroom. This is not a small amount, even if I have recently gone. Is this related to the hysterectomy?

## Answer

Urinary incontinence can be very troubling and have a negative impact on quality of life. It should never be accepted as "just part of getting older". Developing urinary incontinence is not necessarily associated with a hysterectomy. Depending on the cause of incontinence, there are typically several options to treat the problem and reduce or cure the incontinence.

The symptoms you describe, leaking a large volume with increased pressure put on the bladder with coughing, sneezing, etc. is consistent with stress urinary incontinence. However, you also describe not being able to make it to the bathroom without leaking which is consistent with urinary urge incontinence (also called an overactive bladder). When these two types of incontinence are present in the same patient, it is called mixed urinary incontinence.

The key to optimizing treatment for Mixed Urinary Incontinence is to have an appropriate assessment that determines why the bladder is not functioning properly. A physician with experience in treating women with bladder issues will be able to perform such an assessment and then tailor the treatment to your specific symptoms and goals.

## Explore related topics

Women's healthGynecologic Health

## Meet our care team

Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG

Urogynecology Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

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