Treatment of urinary incontinence in women

at Mediss Medical Clinic in Gdańsk

This condition is mainly associated with the ailments of older women. Especially during menopause, it is associated with hyperactivity of the muscle that displaces urine, weakening of the tone of the sphincter muscle and reduced bladder capacity. NM, however, is a problem affecting women at different stages of life, including young women. In addition, it can be the result of the current lifestyle, i.e. sedentary work, low physical activity, as well as an inadequate diet leading to overweight or obesity. The ailment also often appears after pregnancies and childbirths.

Urinary incontinence can be caused by a number of factors, including:

1. Pelvic floor muscle weakness: Often associated with childbirth, menopause, or aging.
2. Neurological diseases: Such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
3. Urinary tract infections: These can temporarily impair bladder function.
4. Hormonal causes: A drop in estrogen levels after menopause can affect the muscles of the bladder and urethra.
5. Lifestyle: Obesity, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption can all contribute to the problem.
6. Pelvic surgery: Pelvic surgeries can damage the nerves and muscles that control the bladder.

Types of urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence can be divided into several types:

• Stress urinary incontinence: This occurs with physical exertion, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. It is caused by weakness of the pelvic floor muscles.
• Urge incontinence: This is characterised by a sudden and strong urge to urinate that cannot be stopped. It can be caused by overactive bladder.
• Overflow incontinence: This occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, leading to urine leakage.
• Mixed urinary incontinence: A combination of several types of urinary incontinence, most commonly stress and urinary incontinence.
• Functional urinary incontinence: This results from the inability to get to the toilet on time, e.g. due to mobility limitations.

Symptoms of urinary incontinence

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of urinary incontinence, but can include:

• Uncontrolled urine leakage during physical exertion.
• A sudden and strong urge to urinate, which is difficult to stop.
• Frequent urination, also at night.
• Feeling of a full bladder even after urination.
• Urine leakage during sleep.

Treatments

Conservative treatment – recommended as a preliminary procedure, which includes:

• reduction of obesity (normalization of body weight can improve urinary continence);
• change in lifestyle and diet;
• elimination of constipation;
• cessation of heavy physical work (including intense sports activity with weights);
• smoking cessation;
• pelvic floor muscle training (alone or with the use of vaginal cones);
• modification of pharmacotherapy under medical supervision (some drugs may cause urinary incontinence).

TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE WITH THE SECTUM RADIOFREQUENCY METHOD

Depending on the doctor’s diagnosis and the mechanism of urinary incontinence, patients may benefit from radiofrequency treatment. These treatments are safe, non-invasive and do not require a long recovery period. They are ideal for women with moderate urinary incontinence. If you happen to lose urine when jumping or coughing, but you don’t use panty liners on a daily basis, this method may be right for you.

During the procedure, the doctor inserts a speculum and inserts a special tip of the device into the vagina. Then he applies it to the front wall of the vagina along its entire length and in the urethra area. This process leads to the remodeling of the vaginal tissues and the urethral sphincter area, which helps prevent uncontrolled urine leakage, for example when sneezing. Although the effects may be noticeable after the first treatment, a series of 2-4 sessions every 3-4 weeks is usually recommended.

Advantages of the method

The non-invasiveness and short recovery period make patients willing to use this method. Modern medicine, including functional gynecology, must take into account the lifestyle of patients. Many of us lead a busy lifestyle, so a procedure with a short recovery period is very desirable. In the case of stress urinary incontinence treatment with this method, the return to normal activities is practically immediate. You don’t need to take a day off or plan your surgery for the weekend – this procedure can be done during your lunch break.

If you have problems related to urinary incontinence, make an appointment with a doctor at Mediss Medical Clinic. The specialist will help you assess whether the radiofrequency method is right for you and develop an individual treatment plan so that you can enjoy life without unpleasant symptoms.

Other methods

Pharmacological treatment:

• Anticholinergics: They help reduce bladder spasms.
• Estrogen medications: Used in postmenopausal women to strengthen the urethral muscles.
• Beta-3 agonist drugs: They relax the bladder muscles, increasing its capacity.

Phytotherapy:

• Kegel exercises: Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
• Biofeedback: A technique that helps patients better control their pelvic muscles.
• Electrostimulation: Used to strengthen the pelvic muscles and improve bladder control.

Physiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of urinary incontinence. Regular exercise and properly selected techniques can significantly improve the quality of life of patients.

Surgical interventions (we do not perform this type of procedure in our facility):

• Urethral suspension surgeries: Procedures to support the urethra.
• Slings (tapes): Small strips placed under the urethra to provide support.
• Botox: Injected into the bladder muscle to reduce hyperreactivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can urinary incontinence be cured? Yes, many cases of urinary incontinence can be effectively treated. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the cause and type of urinary incontinence.
2. How long does the treatment take? The duration of treatment is individual and depends on many factors, including the type of urinary incontinence and the treatment method chosen. Physical therapy may require several weeks of regular exercise, while drug treatment can be long-lasting.
3. Can I continue my normal life during treatment? In most cases, yes. However, it is recommended to follow the recommendations of your doctor and physiotherapist and adjust certain activities so as not to aggravate the condition.
4. Do I need to change my diet? Changes in diet can help manage urinary incontinence. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can reduce bladder irritation.
5. Is physiotherapy painful? Physiotherapy is usually not painful. However, it may require regular and consistent exercise.

At Mediss Medical Clinic, we focus on an individual approach to each patient. Our team of experienced doctors offers comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of urinary incontinence, using the latest medical achievements. We offer full support at every stage of treatment, helping patients regain control over their lives and enjoy full health.

If you suffer from urinary incontinence or have questions about this problem, we invite you to contact Mediss Medical Clinic. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and help you choose the best treatment. Don’t hesitate – take care of your health today!