Incontinence

Shamsah Amersi, MD

OB-GYN & Breast Cancer Assessment located in Santa Monica, CA

Millions of women suffer from incontinence from a wide array of causes. Dr. Amersi has extensive experience diagnosing the causes of incontinence as well as providing state-of-the-art treatments to help women from throughout Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA, control their symptoms and feel more confident.

310-264-5600

Incontinence Q & A

What causes incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be caused by many underlying issues, including hormonal changes, nerve-related issues and problems affecting the muscles that support or control the urinary tract. Significant weight gain, vaginal birth and some diseases can also cause incontinence to occur. Urinary incontinence can be divided into three primary types:

Urge incontinence, or overactive bladder, results in an increased need to urinate, even at night. People who have urge incontinence often must get up several times during the night to use the bathroom.
Stress incontinence causes bladder leakage when you sneeze, cough or laugh, or when you participate in some physical activities like exercise or sexual intercourse. Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder become weak or damaged, often as a result of age or hormone changes.
Mixed incontinence involves symptoms of both urge and stress types.

How is incontinence diagnosed?

As a leading ob/gyn practice in the Greater Los Angeles area, we can perform tests to determine what's causing your symptoms, including lab tests like blood work or urinalysis and exams that enable us to look inside your bladder or to measure how well your bladder is able to retain urine. The type of testing you need will depend on your symptoms and other factors.

How is incontinence treated?

There are different approaches to treating incontinence, including lifestyle changes, exercise, medication, BOTOX® injections, nerve stimulation and even surgery for some types of incontinence. Before any treatment is performed, we'll conduct a comprehensive exam to ensure we recommend the most appropriate options for your needs.

What is a bladder sling?

A bladder sling is a special medical device that's used to provide additional support to weakened pelvic floor muscles. The sling is implanted in a minimally-invasive surgical procedure, and it can be especially helpful in patients with vaginal prolapse.

Ask us about our Holistic Gynecology services.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

We accept only PPO insurance plans. Below is a short-list of just some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed below.

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Testimonials

Words from our patients

"Dr. Amersi is a fantastic, loving, and attentive doctor. She has been nothing but supportive and answers every question I have"

Adriana J.
"Dr. Amersi & staff are top notch. From check-in to post appt problems with a prescription, they were attentive, thorough and happy"

Pamela W.
"I had a consultation with Dr. Amersi yesterday. Love her! Love the offices!"

Traci C.
"Dr. Amersi is absolutely wonderful. Not only is she attentive and nurturing, but she makes you feel like an old friend"

Julianna O.
"It took me 7 years to find the right gynecologist, and Dr. Amersi is it. Her office is so peaceful and her staff is so kind. I am so grateful to have found her!"

Meghan H.
"I've been going to Dr. Amersi for about four years now and I absolutely love her"

Christine C.
"I've been going to Dr. Amersi for about 9 years now and couldn't be more pleased with her level of care, understanding, knowledge and professionalism"

Natalie S.
"Okay, so I'll just start off by saying that Dr. Amersi is the best doctor, ever. I found her using Yelp and couldn't be happier!"

Victoria F.
"Her office was very pretty & her staff was friendly. Even though I hate these types of visits Dr Amersi was very friendly, welcoming & made the visit easy :)"

Cynthia G.
" Love this doc. She's quick and efficient but if you need to talk to her more or ask questions she's willing to take the time to do that."

Ashley D.
"Dr Amersi gave me one of the best gifts: she kept me and both of my baby boys healthy and safe during pregnancy and delivery!"

Joanna B.
"She is incredible! She genuinely cares about her patients and she really takes time to get to know you and treat you as a person, not just a patient."

Sandi T.
"She is a true doctor who works from the heart and with such expertise! She has a way of looking at the whole picture that I think is so important."

Madison P.
"Doctors don't come any better then Amersi! She sincerely cares for her patients and is great at listening and providing the best care possible."

Jeana C.
"Dr Amersi has been my doctor since 2004, she is really fantastic at what she does and really cares about her patients. The staff is super friendly."

JJ S.
"I have seen Dr. Amersi for the past six years or so and really love her. She thinks ahead and asks questions to make sure she is familiar with your situation."

Sarah P.
"Dr. Amersi was able to calm all of my first time mom fears during my pregnancy and I knew I was in great hands when it came time to deliver.".

Cynthia S.
"She is very informative and knowledgeable, however she is also warm and caring and truly interested in your well- being!"

Stephanie S.
"Her knowledge, professionalism & caring attitude is a set of characteristics that I was never able to find in another OBGYN."

Cindy O.
Dr. Sham helped us deliver Penelope & Adam safely into the world. You're more than an extraordinary doctor. We are grateful for your excellent care & genuine compassion

Monica & Nick