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Urinary Incontinence

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What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is when you lose control over your bladder, leading to accidental urine leakage.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from temporary conditions to more persistent, chronic issues;

  • Constipation: when stool becomes compacted in the rectum, it puts pressure on the bladder and increases the frequency of urination.
  • Diet: some drinks and foods act as diuretics, stimulating the bladder and increasing the urge to urinate. These include alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, spicy foods and artificial sweeteners.
  • Medications: drugs like diuretics, heart medications and muscle relaxants can cause incontinence as a side effect by increasing urine production or affecting bladder control.
  • Vitamin C: large doses of vitamin C can have a diuretic effect leading to frequent urination.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can irritate the bladder, causing a sudden and strong urge to urinate often accompanied by leakage.
  • Menopause: following menopause, women experience a drop in estrogen, which can weaken the tissues of the bladder and urethra, increasing the risk of incontinence.
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth: during pregnancy, hormonal changes and the pressure of the growing uterus can lead to stress incontinence. Additionally, vaginal childbirth may weaken the pelvic floor muscles, damage the nerves, or lead to pelvic organ prolapse, contributing to incontinence.
Stress incontinence happens when certain activities put pressure on your bladder, causing urine leakage due to weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles or the urethral sphincter.

Who is at risk of urinary incontinence in Singapore?

What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed in Singapore?

A urine test is done to rule out UTIs as a possible cause or factor behind your urine leaks.

What are the treatment options for urinary incontinence in Singapore?

Managing urinary incontinence effectively requires a tailored approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes. A variety of treatments are designed to help patients regain control and improve their quality of life. Treatment options may include the following:

  • Tubal Ligation: although primarily a contraceptive procedure, tubal ligation may be part of a broader surgical plan to stabilise reproductive organs, which can help manage urinary incontinence symptoms in certain cases.
  • Gynaecological Laparoscopic Surgery: a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can be used to treat conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, which may contribute to urinary incontinence. By addressing these underlying conditions, symptoms can be improved or resolved.
  • Pelvic Floor Reconstruction: for those experiencing stress incontinence, pelvic floor reconstruction  might be recommended. This surgical procedure strengthens the muscles and tissues supporting the bladder and urethra, helping to restore bladder control.
  • Robotic Surgery: for more complex pelvic floor issues, robotic surgery offers precision and control with a minimally invasive approach. This method can lead to quicker recovery times and less pain, making it an effective solution for addressing incontinence caused by pelvic floor disorders.
  • Hysterectomy (Womb Removal): in cases of severe uterine prolapse, where the uterus drops into the vaginal canal and puts pressure on the bladder, a hysterectomy may be necessary. By removing the uterus, it will relieve this pressure, potentially reducing or eliminating incontinence symptoms.

Additional Supportive Services

  • Gynaecological Screening and Pap Smears: routine screenings can detect early signs of conditions that may lead to incontinence, enabling timely intervention.
  • HPV Test and Vaccination: preventing HPV-related conditions can reduce the risk of complications that might exacerbate urinary incontinence.

Dr. Ma Li’s holistic approach to managing urinary incontinence ensures that both the symptoms and their causes are treated effectively. If you are struggling with incontinence,  explore your treatment options and take the first step toward better bladder health.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Urinary incontinence can happen at any age, but it is more common as people get older, especially in those over 50 years old.
It depends on the causes. But generally, most cases can be managed or even resolved with proper treatment, lifestyle changes or medical care.
You might be leaking urine if you notice your underwear is wet or damp, have trouble controlling your bladder or experience leaks when you cough, laugh or exercise.
While drinking enough water is important, too much can make bladder leakage worse. It is best to stay hydrated but avoid overdoing it and steer clear of bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol.

It is difficult to prevent urinary incontinence. However, there are lifestyle changes that you can adopt to lower your risk factors, such as:

  • Avoid heavy lifting.
  • Do kegel exercises.
  • Establish a bathroom routine.
  • Limit fluids and caffeine before activities.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Practice bladder training.
  • Pre-activity bathroom break.
  • Strengthen pelvic muscles.
  • Use protective products.

Delaying treatment will breed a host of complications, including:

  • Decreased quality of life.
  • Skin problems such as rashes, skin infections and sores.
  • UTIs.
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