Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence, marked by the accidental or involuntary leakage of urine, is a common issue affecting up to 1 in 4 women. However, despite its bothersome nature, up to half of those affected never seek help. The impact of incontinence on the quality of life, personal relationships, and the broader societal burden is profound. Urogynaecology Specialists provide comprehensive treatment for individuals facing urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence, regardless of age, is not a normal part of ageing. Understanding the complexity of continence mechanisms, our clinic recognises that incontinence can result from failures at various points in this mechanism.

For instance, issues may arise if the brain fails to signal properly to the bladder, or if the urethral sphincter, a robust circular muscle at the bladder outlet, does not squeeze adequately. Similarly, the bladder muscle may contract excessively or insufficiently due to problems with the muscle itself or the nerves controlling it. Damage to the sphincter muscles or the nerves controlling these muscles can also lead to poor sphincter function, resulting in the involuntary loss of urine.

Urinary incontinence is broadly categorised into different types:

1. Stress Urinary Incontinence: This involves the leakage of urine during activities such as laughing, coughing, or sneezing.

2. Urge Urinary Incontinence: Characterised by the leakage of urine associated with a sudden, strong need to urinate that cannot be deferred.

3. Mixed Urinary Incontinence: A combination of stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence.

4. Overflow Urinary Incontinence: Involves leakage of urine from an overly full bladder, often with little or no feeling.

5. Post-void Dribbling: Dribbling leakage of urine that has been retained in the urethra after the bladder has emptied.