Incontinence describes the involuntary loss of urine, which can be so severe that it interferes with daily life and well-being. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of incontinence. The most common types include:
Stress incontinence: Urine loss during physical exertion such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Urge incontinence: Sudden, strong urge to urinate that often cannot be controlled in time.
Overflow incontinence: Urine is released continuously or in small amounts because the bladder is not completely emptied.
Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Pregnancy and childbirth: The muscles of the bladder and pelvic floor can weaken, especially during vaginal births.
Age: With increasing age, the pelvic floor muscles lose strength, which can lead to reduced bladder control.
Prostate diseases: Men, especially those who have undergone prostate surgery or inflammation, can suffer from incontinence.
Neurological diseases: Diseases such as multiple sclerosis or strokes can impair the nerve functions that control bladder function.
Hormonal changes: Especially in women after menopause, the decline in estrogen can weaken the bladder muscles.
Medical history: You will be asked when and under what circumstances urine leakage occurs.
Urine test: A urine test helps rule out infections or other health problems.
Bladder test: A uroflowmetry test for men can measure urine volume and flow.
Ultrasound: To examine the bladder and kidneys to detect structural problems.
Pelvic floor training: Regular exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control.
Drug therapy: For urge incontinence, medications are used to suppress the urge to urinate.
Surgical procedures: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, e.g., the implantation of an artificial sphincter or a bladder support device.
Incontinence products: Diapers, pads, or special urine bags can temporarily help make everyday life easier.
Can incontinence be cured?
In many cases, incontinence can be controlled or even cured with the right treatment. However, this depends on the type of incontinence and the underlying causes.
What can I do to prevent incontinence?
Is incontinence a normal sign of aging?
While incontinence may become more common with age, it is not inevitable. There are many treatment options that can help control symptoms.
Do I need surgery?
Not all patients require surgery. Many people can achieve significant improvement with non-surgical treatments such as medication or pelvic floor exercises.
There are several ways to schedule an appointment with our practice. Our online appointment booking system is available 24 hours a day.
You are also welcome to call us (044 201 22 00) and schedule an appointment with us. We look forward to your visit.
