What is Urinary Incontinence in Singapore
As we age, our bodies go through many changes and sometimes these changes can lead to unexpected challenges. One such challenge is urinary incontinence – a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Urinary incontinence is not a normal part of ageing. Unfortunately, women have been told to live with it for the longest time, but with greater awareness and easy access to information, this is changing. There are various types of urinary incontinence that can affect both women and men at any age.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a broad term that encompasses several types. It is important to know the different types as they have varying causes and require different treatment approaches. Frequently, they occur in combination, resulting in significant distress to the individual sufferer. The common types of urinary incontinence includes:
Stress incontinence occurs when there is an increase in abdominal pressure on the bladder causing leakage of urine. This can happen during physical activities such as exercising, coughing, laughing, sneezing or heavy lifting.
Stress urinary incontinence is more common in women due to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. When the muscles supporting the bladder and urinary sphincter weaken, it can cause this type of incontinence. In men, stress incontinence can be a result of prostate surgery or an enlarged prostate.
Signs of stress incontinence include leaking urine during physical activities or when changing positions. This can happen, for example, when standing up from sitting.
It is important to note that not all individuals with stress urinary incontinence experience leakage every time they laugh or sneeze.
Urge incontinence is characterised by a sudden and intense urge to urinate, which is often difficult to control. This type of incontinence is commonly known as an overactive bladder. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as medical conditions, menopause, neurological conditions, bladder infections, or medications.
People with urge incontinence may need to go to the bathroom often and may leak urine if they can't get there in time. It can significantly impact one's daily activities and quality of life, especially if it happens at night and disrupts sleep significantly.
Symptoms of urge incontinence include frequent and sudden urges to urinate, waking up multiple times at night to use the bathroom, and sometimes not being able to make it to the bathroom on time, with resultant leakage and soiling.
Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Many people experience both types of urinary incontinence simultaneously, making it difficult to manage.
Mixed incontinence can show signs of both stress and urge incontinence. These signs include urinary leaking during physical activities and sudden urges to urinate.
Overflow incontinence is the involuntary leakage of small amounts of urine due to an overfull bladder. It occurs when the bladder does not fully empty properly during urination, causing it to become too full and leak.
This type of incontinence is more common in men, especially those with enlarged prostate glands. It can also occur due to trauma or damage to the nerves that control bladder function.
Symptoms of overflow incontinence include frequent urination, weak urine stream, and difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
Functional incontinence occurs when there is a physical or cognitive impairment that makes it challenging to reach the restroom on time. This type of incontinence can affect both young and older individuals, especially those with disabilities.
Individuals with functional incontinence may have difficulty undoing clothing or reaching the bathroom due to limited mobility, leading to accidental leakage.
Transient incontinence is a temporary type of urinary incontinence that occurs due to certain triggers such as infections, medications, or constipation. It can be quickly resolved once the underlying cause is treated.
Symptoms of transient incontinence include sudden urges to urinate and occasional leakage.
Diagnosis of Urinary Incontinence
If you are experiencing symptoms of urinary incontinence, it is essential to seek medical attention from an urogynaecologist.
The diagnosis may include:
- During your appointment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination will be done to check any underlying conditions that could be causing your incontinence.
- Urinary investigations are done to look for infections or other abnormalities.
- Urodynamic tests can evaluate how well your bladder stores and releases urine
- A pelvic ultrasound or MRI can be done to look for any problems with the bladder and nearby organs.
- A cystoscopy is when a small camera is put into the bladder through a thin tube in the urethra. This allows doctors to see inside.
- Bladder diary: You will need to write down how much fluids you drink, when and how much you pee for a few days, and any leakages under what situations should be recorded. This helps the doctor see how often you have incontinence.
Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan based on the type(s) of incontinence you have. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Treatment Options
The good news is that urinary incontinence can be managed and treated with various interventions. The first step is to get a proper diagnosis from an urogynaecologist who can determine the type of incontinence. From there, they can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
- Lifestyle Changes
For mild cases of urinary incontinence, lifestyle changes may be sufficient to manage the symptoms. This includes reducing caffeine and alcohol intake as well as staying hydrated with water to avoid irritation of the bladder. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can also help alleviate symptoms of stress incontinence.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
In cases of stress or urge incontinence, pelvic floor exercises (also known as Kegel exercises/Kegels) can strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urinary sphincter. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing these muscles multiple times a day to improve control over urination.
- Medications
Your doctor may give you medicine to help with incontinence. This can relax the bladder muscle or reduce the urge to pee.
- Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended for stress incontinence if pelvic floor exercises and other treatments have not been effective. This involves strengthening the muscles that support the bladder and urethra through various surgical techniques.
In a small group of ladies, laser treatment can help reduce or cure urinary incontinence.
To prevent urinary incontinence, practice regular pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder and urethra.
It is important to seek medical help if you experience symptoms of urinary incontinence as it can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Remember, you are not alone in this and there is help available. Speak to our urogynaecologist today if you are experiencing any symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your current treatment plan or starting any new medications.
