What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary inability to control urination. From a female perspective, studies indicate that 40-70% of women going through menopause and 20-45% of women of childbearing age experience some form of urinary incontinence. Many women in the reproductive period believe that urinary incontinence might be related to pregnancy.
What are the effects of urinary incontinence on women?
This condition directly impacts a woman’s social life. Due to the odor and stains caused by urinary leakage, it can lead to discomfort in social settings, the frequent use of pads or diapers, and it can significantly affect a woman’s confidence negatively.
What are the causes of urinary incontinence?
The most common cause of urinary incontinence is the weakening of the tissues that support the bladder and pelvic muscles over time. This type of urinary leakage is called stress incontinence. More detailed information about the causes can be found in my article on the causes of urinary incontinence.
What are the types of urinary incontinence?
Patients often experience sudden urine leakage from the bladder during activities that increase pressure, such as coughing or sneezing. This type of incontinence is particularly common among women who have delivered large babies, those who gave birth at home without medical supervision, or those who had difficult deliveries or were assisted by non-experts during childbirth. Apart from stress incontinence, this condition is also frequently seen in women suffering from chronic constipation, obesity, bronchitis, asthma, advanced age, and menopause.
Another common type of incontinence is urgency incontinence. This occurs when the bladder muscles suddenly contract during the bladder filling process, leading to involuntary urine leakage, although the exact cause is unknown. This type of incontinence is often observed in people who work with water and seems to have a psychological component. For instance, some individuals may experience sudden leakage when they come into contact with water.
What approach should be taken for urinary incontinence treatment?
Patients with urinary incontinence should consult a urogynecology specialist or a urologist trained in female urology. During the initial examination, vaginal support and the pelvic floor should be evaluated. Simple urine tests should also be conducted. Patients should provide their urinary history to the specialist, and a three-day log of urinary leakage and urination times can help determine the type of incontinence and guide treatment options.
The treatment for urinary incontinence is determined based on the frequency of symptoms and the underlying cause. If the patient suffers from urgency incontinence, surgery can either treat the problem or prevent it from worsening. Other treatment options include behavioral therapy, Botox, physical therapy, and medications. Among non-surgical treatments, the most prominent method is magnetic chair therapy. This treatment is highly effective not only for urinary incontinence but also for conditions such as vaginal laxity, gas leakage, and orgasm disorders. The treatment involves sitting fully clothed on a chair that generates a magnetic field, which stimulates the pelvic muscles and tissues involved in urination.
What precautions should be taken against urinary incontinence?
As mentioned, pregnancy is one of the most common factors leading to urinary incontinence. One of the most important preventive measures is to monitor the pregnancy carefully and on time. Additionally, smoking and alcohol consumption should be stopped, and conditions such as asthma and bronchitis should be treated without delay. It is important to remember that urinary incontinence is not something to be ashamed of, and treatment should begin promptly with the help of a specialist.
For the diagnosis and treatment of stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, reflex incontinence, and temporary urinary incontinence, you can contact Prof. Dr. Ateş Karateke in Istanbul.