Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Types, and Treatment Methods

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary inability of a person to hold their urine. Although it can be seen at any age, it is more common especially in women after menopause and childbirth. Despite being quite common in society, the search for treatment is often delayed due to embarrassment or accepting it as normal.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

1. Stress Urinary Incontinence

   • Leaking urine during situations where intra-abdominal pressure increases, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or heavy lifting.

   • It is generally due to the weakening of pelvic floor muscles after childbirth.

2. Urge Incontinence

   • Leaking urine along with a sudden and strong urge to urinate.

   • It is related to the overactivity of bladder muscles.

3. Mixed Type Incontinence

   • Experiencing both stress type and urge type symptoms together.

4. Overflow Incontinence

   • Leaking urine drop by drop as a result of the bladder not emptying completely.

Causes

• Pelvic muscle damage after normal or difficult childbirth

• Estrogen decrease after menopause

• Excess weight

• Chronic constipation

• Bladder or urinary tract infections

• Neurological diseases (MS, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries)

Diagnostic Methods

• Detailed history and gynecological examination

• Urinalysis and culture

• Urodynamic testing (measurement of bladder function)

• Ultrasonography

• Pelvic MRI (if necessary)

Treatment Options

1. Lifestyle and Exercise

   • Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises)

   • Losing excess weight

   • Regulating fluid intake

   • Preventing constipation

2. Medical Treatment

   • Medications that regulate bladder muscle activity

   • Local estrogen therapy (vaginal cream, tablet, or ring)

3. Surgical Treatment

   • TOT or TVT surgeries – sling operations that strengthen pelvic floor support

   • Bladder neck suspension methods

   • Minimally invasive surgical options

Preventive Methods for Urinary Incontinence

• Regular pelvic floor exercise

• Smoking cessation

• Acquiring regular urination habits

• Adequate fluid intake

Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Istanbul

As Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Andan, I offer personalized diagnosis and treatment plans for patients experiencing urinary incontinence complaints. My aim is both to improve the quality of life and to maintain healthy bladder function in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions Is urinary incontinence a natural part of aging?

No. Urinary incontinence is a treatable condition.

How long does it take for Kegel exercises to show an effect?

Improvement can be seen within 4–6 weeks when done regularly.

Is there recurrence after surgery?

The risk is quite low with appropriate surgical technique and lifestyle changes.