Urinary Incontinence

Description

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine via the urethra and we differentiate them into different types:

• Stress incontinence: When urine leaks while you cough, laugh or sneeze, or when performing activities such as running or jumping.
• Urge incontinence: Urine leakage associated with a sudden strong need to urinate, or leaking on your way to the toilet.
• Overflow incontinence: This is when your bladder is over full (sometimes without you realising it) and urine leaks out, often when you are asleep.
• Mixed incontinence: A mix of the first two.

Investigations

A good history to determine the most bothersome symptoms and identifying the cause will often lead to a diagnosis, but a few investigations may be needed:

• Urinalysis: A urine test done in the examination room.
• Ultrasound of the urinary tract 
• Urodynamic testing: Assessing the neurological function of your urinary system

Treatment Options 

Will be based on the actual cause of your incontinence and may include:

• Lifestyle modification: Identifying triggers, diet, and weight loss.
• Pelvic floor exercises with a physiotherapist
• Medication used to help relax the bladder and topical oestrogen