Understanding the Hidden Causes of Urinary Incontinence And How to Effectively Treat It
By Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D., Urologist & Urogynecologist
For many women, urinary incontinence begins subtly—a small leak when sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
At first, it may seem like a minor inconvenience. However, over time, the episodes become more frequent and unpredictable, interfering with daily life and social activities.
Women who experience urinary incontinence often adjust their routines accordingly, choosing darker clothing, planning outings around restroom availability, and avoiding activities they once enjoyed.
Despite its prevalence, urinary incontinence remains a topic many women hesitate to discuss, leading to frustration and feelings of isolation.
While conventional advice often attributes bladder leaks to weak pelvic floor muscles, this explanation does not fully address the issue.
Many women diligently perform pelvic floor exercises or invest in treatments without seeing meaningful improvement. That’s because the root cause of urinary incontinence is frequently more complex.
The Overlooked Factors in Bladder Leaks
Urinary incontinence in women is often the result of multiple contributing factors, ranging from pelvic floor dysfunction to bladder instability, neurological conditions, and hormonal changes.
Pelvic Floor Weakness
Bladder Dysfunction
Neurological Conditions
Medications & Lifestyle
Hormonal Changes
Structural Issues
Because urinary incontinence often has multiple underlying causes, an accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short
Many women initially seek help from their gynecologist, who specializes in vaginal and reproductive health.
However, gynecologists do not have the advanced training required to fully evaluate and treat bladder-related conditions.
As a result, many women are advised to strengthen their pelvic floor or manage their symptoms rather than address the underlying structural issue.
A New Approach: The Specialized Expertise of Urogynecology
Urogynecologists have specialized training in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, allowing them to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of conditions affecting the pelvic floor, vaginal wall, and bladder function.
Hi, I'm Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, Medical Director at Total Urology Care of New York.
As a Board-Certified Urologist, Urogynecologist, and Surgeon. I’ve spent my career helping women find real, lasting solutions for urinary incontinence, by understanding the integrated relationship between vaginal health and urinary control.
The good news is that urinary incontinence can often be treated successfully without surgery or invasive procedures.
Many urinary incontinence treatments are often covered by insurance, but coverage varies depending on the plan and the specific treatment.
By addressing both vaginal and bladder health together, women can regain control, restore confidence, and return to daily activities without the constant worry of leaks.
If you’re struggling with bladder leaks, you don’t have to live with it. The first step to relief start with a consultation. Let’s find the right solution for you.
What To Expect During Your Initial Consultation:
First, I'll take time to really listen to the details of your urinary challenges.
I'll complete a thorough evaluation to understand the likely cause of your urinary incontinence.
We'll discuss which treatment options are best for your specific situation.
In rare cases, some women have other health related issues. If that happens to be you, then I promise to tell you and recommend another treatment option or specialist, if possible.
The initial consultation is a great way to get real answers and see how urogynecology can help address your urinary incontinence.
OUR APPROACH
The culture of care at Total Urology Care of New York includes compassionate, evidence-based, and state-of-the-art medicine in our family-owned practice. We approach your unique situation with care to understand the underlying causes, before any recommendations are made.
Call to schedule your initial consultation at (212) 470-7686 or click below to schedule online.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Over 2,000 Reviews - Average Rating 4.93/5
"Dr Kavaler's treatment for bladder leakage problems is a miracle"
Dr Kavaler's treatment for bladder leakage problems is a miracle. I had it done last year and it worked beautifully. Staff is wonderful and she is a miracle worker!
Corinne M.
★★★★★
"I would not hesitate to recommend her to any woman with urinary issues"
I found the office sparkling clean and welcoming. The staff and assistants all very friendly and helpful. Dr. Kavaler is a knowledgeable and personable clinician who put me at ease and helped with my problem. I would not hesitate to recommend her to any woman with urinary issues.
Linda O.
★★★★★
"Looking forward to success"
Very professional staff & Dr Elizabeth Kavaler Explained the next step to address my problem. I will make another appointment to have the test done that will show how to treat my bladder. Looking forward to success with a treatment designed for me after a diagnosis same day.
Wendy B.
★★★★★
"Helped with urinary frequency"
I was very happy with my experience. I found it has helped with urinary frequency and vaginal dryness and I would recommend it to all women who may be suffering with these problems.
Tori S.
★★★★★
"I can't say enough good things"
Dr. Kavaler is really incredible - very professional, kind, lovely bedside manner and her team are also very knowledgeable and kind too. I went with an issue that I believed to be bladder related but turned out not to be - Dr. Kavaler referred me to a specialist doctor who I am seeing tomorrow. I can't say enough good things about the team at Total Urology!
Heidi G.
★★★★★
"Expert in treating bladder issues"
Not only is Dr. Kavaler and expert in treating bladder issues but she is also unusual in that she has excellent interpersonal skills that many other physicians lack.
Susan S.
★★★★★
"Understanding my urinary problem"
Dr. Kavaler and well- trained polite staff handled my visit and quest for understanding my urinary problem with care, competence and a clear explanation about what I needed to do and not do for my vaginal health!
Linda
★★★★★
Meet Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler
Dr. Kavaler Is The Author Of:
“A Seat on the Aisle, Please!: The essential guide to urinary tract problems in women”
30 Years of Focus on One Thing: Helping Women Get Their Lives Back.
If you're struggling with bladder leaks, UTIs, or pelvic organ prolapse, you deserve expert care from a specialist who truly understands the unique challenges women face. That’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler at Total Urology Care of New York.
Dr. Kavaler is double board-certified in Urology and Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology)—a rare distinction that sets her apart as one of NYC’s leading experts in female urological disorders. With over 30 years of experience, she has helped thousands of women reclaim their confidence and quality of life.
At Total Urology Care, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. Dr. Kavaler specializes in both vaginal and bladder health, ensuring you get the right diagnosis and real solutions that work—often without surgery or invasive procedures.
Dr. Kavaler is also the first urogynecologist in Manhattan to offer Molecular PCR testing for UTIs and one of the few specialists in the country performing vaginal prolapse surgery—a less invasive alternative to robotic procedures.
Patients come from across the country for Dr. Kavaler’s expertise. As a trusted author, professor, and leader in the field, she is committed to helping women find real relief—without unnecessary procedures or ineffective treatments.
Dr. Kavaler is the author of:
“A Seat on the Aisle, Please!: The essential guide to urinary tract problems in women”
My Promise To You
I Will Take Time Listen: At your initial consultation, I'll take time to listen to your unique story so I can understand your history with urinary incontinence and determine the likely causes.
I Will Answer All Your Questions: Questions such as: What is causing my incontinence? What treatment is right for me? How do the treatments work? Are the treatments covered by insurance?
I Will Be Honest: If you are not a candidate for our treatments, I'll tell you why and help you find another specialist, if possible.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
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