An embarrassing problem? Incontinence is not a sentence! Find out how to overcome this troublesome ailment
Not just a female problem!
Urinary incontinence means any episode of an involuntary urination, independent of any conscious decision. Uirnation can lead to both complete and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Urinary incontinence problems must not be neglected - regardless of severity, it always indicates abnormalities in the genitourinary tract or the neurological system.
Although the social concept of urinary incontinence attributes this problem mainly to women and the elderly, the truth is that this problem affects both sexes. In fact, women are more often struggling with it - as many as 20% of patients over the age of 40 suffer from this condition. Pregnancy and births, gynecological surgeries, menopause, obesity and chronic constipation are conducive to its occurrence. Urinary incontinence during pregnancy is also common due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder.
Urinary incontinence in men is most commonly associated with the prostate diseases. In particular, it concerns patients after prostatectomy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. All around the world, more than 423 million patients struggle with urinary incontinence, including 303 million women and 121 million men. What is important, ailment in the area of the urinary system exacerbate with age, which is why with the number of years, the gender difference is diminishes.
Urinary incontinence - causes are not always obvious
Urinary incontinence in men and women is actually influenced by many different factors. In addition to the above, some chronic diseases, e.g. diabetes or obstructive pulmonary disease, severe physical work, but also, for example, weakness of the pelvic floor muscles associated with their abnormal activity.
There are three main types of urinary incontinence:
Stress urinary incontinence - it is a subconscious passing of a small amount of urine. It is not accompanied by vesical tenesmus. There is also no need to go to the toilet more frequently or to urinate at night. It often occurs during coughing, sneezing, lifting or moving heavy objects. Stress urinary incontinence is caused by weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. When pressure rises in the bladder, there is a subconscious urination occurs. It is also the most common type of incontinence.
Urge urinary incontinence is characterized by the occurrence of a sudden, strong need for immediate urination. Urination usually occurs within a few seconds after feeling this urge. The cause of urge urinary incontinence is excessive, abnormal activity of the bladder muscles. Episodes of unwanted urination occur, for example, during sexual intercourse, when a body position is changed, or even after hearing the sound of running water.
Overflow urinary incontinence is a constant or periodic leakage of a small amount of urine due to obstruction in its outflow. This type of urinary incontinence is most common for men with an enlarged prostate.
Incontinence - pharmacological treatment or exercise?
When urinary incontinence occurs, it should be treated regardless of gender, age or health status. This problem is dealt with by a urologist or gynecologist. Importantly, a urologist is not a specialist who treats only men - a urologist also helps female patients struggling with urinary tract problems.
Before urinary incontinence treatment is complete, patients may use various products available at pharmacies. Devices such as urological pads for urinary incontinence or female urological pants allow to participate in social interactions without feeling embarrassed. Of course, they will not replace treatments that must be undertaken as soon as possible.
Exercise for urinary incontinence consists in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles on one hand, and on the other hand on focusing on the normalization of their tension. This is not a demanding training, but it should always be preceded by a consultation with a physiotherapist specializing in urogynaecology and performed under the supervision if such a specialist. It is important to practice regularly every day.
Prescription incontinence tablets may only be used in justified cases, always under the supervision of a doctor - urologist or gynaecologist.
Transobturator tape (TOT). TOTs require incisions in the groin. Through he incision a thin, tension-free tape, which supports the urethra from the vaginal side. The procedure is only performed with the doctor's instructions.
Lifestyle modification. Treatment should always be based on elimination of the cause of incontinence. For example, weight reduction, resigning from alcohol or caffeine may be necessary.
Urinary incontinence procedure - is it a good solution?
Even the most consciensciously performed exercise and the pills for incontinence do not always bring the expected result. In such case a CO2 fractional laser may be the solution. Laser treatment of urinary incontinence strengthens the vaginal wall and urethral outlet. At Sense Med Concept, we adjust treatments to the needs of the patients.
EVA radiofrequency treatment
The treatment of urinary incontinence by means of microneedle radiofrequency procedure involves thermal stimulation of fibroblasts in the skin and subcutaneous structures. As a result, the production of collagen and elastin increases, and innervation and blood supply is strengthened. EVA radiofrequency treatment restores proper tension of the genitourinary tract. At Sense Med Concept we offer this treatment primarily to patients struggling with mild stress urinary incontinence.
Revitalisation of genitourinary tract walls using radiofrequency microneedling brings effects in both post-menopausal and pre-menopausal patients, after and before childbirth. The EVA treatment utilizes two technologies: Vaginal Dynamic Radiofrequency (VDR) - a system controlling the level of heat delivered to the tissues as well as Radiofrequency Safety System (RSS) - monitoring the handpiece movement, which prevents unwanted excessive heat emissions.
Sectum treatment of urinary incontinence
Sectum is a treatment using a device that is widely used in aesthetic gynaecology. It uses monopolar and bipolar radio wave technology. In the treatment of urinary incontinence, Sectum enables precise cutting and coagulation procedures in the genitourinary organs. Thanks to its high power and appropriate frequency, the procedure allows for treatment of urinary incontinence at various stages. As a result, the area of vaginal walls and urethral outlets are strengthened.
At Sense Med Concept, we help the patients in the spirit of a holistic approach to health. The urinary incontinence treatments tailored to the individual needs and conditions, manytimes constitute part of the therapy. The other part may include, for example, physical activity to reduce body weight or treat chronic conditions.
Source:
Borowicz A., Wieczorowska-Tobis K., Metody fizjoterapeutyczne w nietrzymaniu moczu [in:] „Gerontologia Polska”, Vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 114-119.
Purc D., Rasała A., Metody leczenia nietrzymania moczu [in:] „European Journal of Medical Technologies” 2015, 3(8), pp. 29-38.