Treatment of urinary incontinence in women depends on the specific nature of the problem. The most common forms are stress urinary incontinence during coughing, sneezing, exertion and urge urinary incontinence and their mixed forms. In mild stress urinary incontinence, a conservative approach is recommended, which requires correction of lifestyle and dietary habits. For example, it is important for women to aim for weight reduction, as obesity exacerbates the condition. Regular Kegel exercises are also important and are effective in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control.
Treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Energy-based methods are applicable – the use of transvaginal devices – laser, radiofrequency or HIFU. Subcervical tropocollagen injections are also used. Energy treatments through the creation of microblading and improved blood supply improve tissue quality, increase control and reduce instances of incontinence. Valued for being minimally invasive, laser correction is also associated with a low risk of complications and is applicable in mild cases of incontinence. If the severity is greater and the incontinence interferes with daily functioning, the methods used are not effective, surgical options are worth considering.
In contrast, the treatment of urgency, in the so-called overactive bladder, is based on pharmacotherapy. The medicines used help to reduce the bothersome urge to use the toilet. What if drug treatment proves insufficient? It is always advisable to consult a doctor to choose the appropriate treatment method, who will carefully assess the severity of the problem and the patient’s individual needs.
- Why are women more prone to incontinence?
- The reasons for incontinence in women are varied.
- The impact of childbirth on urinary incontinence
- Urinary incontinence during menopause
Women are more prone to incontinence problems due to unique biological and physiological factors.
- pregnancy and childbirth can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn makes bladder control more difficult,
- During the menopause, changing hormone levels can further weaken these muscles and reduce the elasticity of the tissues in the pelvic area, increasing the likelihood of complaints – up to one in two postmenopausal women suffer from incontinence!
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Nevertheless, it is not only natural factors that are important. There are also risk factors that can be controlled. For example, being overweight leads to additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic diaphragm , which can promote incontinence problems. The type of work, sports practised and – very importantly – genetic predisposition also play a role. Therefore, health care, which includes maintaining an appropriate weight and avoiding excessive exercise, plays a key role. Understanding the source of the difficulty enables effective prevention and treatment strategies to be implemented. This is important for improving the quality of life of women facing this challenge.
One of the most significant is the weakening of the pelvic muscles, often occurring after pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, the menopause period is not without its influence either-the hormonal changes that accompany it reduce tissue elasticity.
However, these are not the only factors:
- excessive weight increases pressure on the bladder, resulting in bladder maintenance problems,
- urinary tract infections can further disrupt their function,
- comorbidities such as diabetes are also important, affecting nervous system function and bladder control.
Understanding these aspects is extremely important, as it enables the introduction of effective methods of treatment and prevention of problems. It is crucial to promote a healthy lifestyle and to control conditions that may negatively affect the ability to hold urine.
Childbirth significantly affects incontinence problems in women, mainly by weakening the pelvic floor muscles. When a baby is born, the weight of the baby and the pressure it exerts can weaken the muscles or lead to a muscle tear, making bladder control difficult. It is not just a question of muscle, however. Damage to the nerves that are responsible for the proper functioning of the bladder also plays an important role.
Research suggests that women are more likely to experience urinary incontinence after the birth of a child, especially through natural means, compared to those who have not been pregnant. The mere fact of being pregnant increases the risk of future ailments. This problem becomes particularly apparent after the first birth and can worsen with subsequent births. The postmenopausal period is another period in which complaints increase. Regular strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, for example with Kegel exercises , can significantly reduce the risk of this problem and help the bladder to return to normal function.
Urinary incontinence during the menopause is a common phenomenon affecting many women. During this period, oestrogen levels drop, reducing the elasticity of the tissues and pelvic floor muscles. The result can be stress urinary incontinence , which manifests itself as accidental leakage when coughing, sneezing or laughing.
Estrogens play a key role in urinary health and their deficiency weakens the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, increasing the risk of incontinence. In addition, changes in bladder pressure can lead to uncontrolled urine leakage.
Awareness and proactivity in caring for health are important elements in managing this problem. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises significantly improves bladder control. Doctors may also recommend hormone therapy , which helps alleviate menopausal symptoms and incontinence difficulties. It is crucial that every woman consults her doctor to select the most appropriate treatment for her.
Stress urinary incontinence – conservative treatment
The process of diagnosing urinary incontinence begins with a thorough medical history and examination of the patient. The doctor pays attention to the medical history and the circumstances in which the symptoms appear. It is also important to understand a person’s lifestyle, as this influences the frequency and intensity of the problem.
Once the diagnosis has been established, the first step is to implement behavioural therapy . Examples of therapeutic activities include:
- change in diet: limit coffee and alcohol consumption,
- weight reduction,
- avoiding exertion associated with increased use of abdominal crowding,
- the use of pessaries or support tampons.
Kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles are also extremely effective. Urological physiotherapy under the guidance of a specialist can alleviate symptoms and improve bladder control. When conservative methods do not have the desired effect, surgery is considered. It is crucial to choose a therapy tailored to the patient’s specific needs, following consultation with an experienced practitioner.
Operative methods of treating urinary incontinence in women
The treatment of urinary incontinence in women varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. To begin with, it is recommended to use non-invasive methods that do not involve surgery. When these are ineffective or the problem is more advanced, surgical procedures may be resorted to:
- sling operations (insertion of urethral support bands) – performed transvaginally,
Extremely difficult cases can be dealt with by implanting an artificial sphincter.
Although they involve more invasiveness, they are effective, especially when other methods have failed. The variety of methods allows for the selection of an appropriate incontinence treatment – ranging from the less invasive treatment of overactive bladder with botulinum toxin to the treatment of stress urinary incontinence with TOT and TVT tapes. It is worth remembering that any decision regarding the choice of therapy should take into account the patient’s expectations and her condition, and is well taken in consultation with an experienced doctor.
Innovative treatment methods for urinary incontinence – surgical methods
Surgery has become a popular choice for the treatment of incontinence and one such novel procedure is the implantation of an artificial urethral sphincter . This method is particularly recommended for patients suffering from severe cases of incontinence, as it enables better bladder control and significantly increases the comfort of life. Nevertheless, it is not only surgical solutions that are gaining interest.
On the other hand, in cases of urgency, when other pharmacological methods are ineffective, cross-linking neuromodulation , which is an advanced technique, can be used and has been shown to be extremely effective and long-acting in the treatment of overactive bladder. The process involves chronic stimulation of the sacral nerves, which significantly improves symptoms. After an initial trial phase, the neuromodulator is implanted for many years. This method is often chosen by those looking for sustainable ways of dealing with the problem.
The best method should be decided together with the doctor, taking into account the patient’s individual needs and health status to ensure the best possible results.
The safety of the procedures is guaranteed by experienced specialists at Medicus Clinic
A visit to a gynaecologist at Medicus Clinic is a key part of comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. Our experienced specialists carry out thorough examinations, select optimal treatment methods and offer effective solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
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