Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence refers to loss of bladder control resulting in involuntary leakage of urine. It commonly occurs in women due to pregnancy and childbirth, menopause and the structure of the female urinary tract.
For many people with urinary incontinence it is an embarrassment. Urine incontinence can mean that women alter their lives (eg) avoid running or sport.
Urinary incontinence in some individuals may be a normal part of growth and disappears naturally overtime. However, if it does not disappear, it requires treatment and the condition improves when the underlying cause is treated.
Individuals with urinary incontinence may experience strong, sudden, urgent and uncontrollable need to urinate, frequent urination and also involuntary loss of urine.
Dr Mariud diagnoses your condition through physical, pelvic and neurologic examination and suggests appropriate treatments.
Non Surgical Treatment For Incontinence
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of incontinence. Treatment options include
- pelvic floor exercises
- bladder control techniques -
- diet - minimise caffeine
- lifestyle changes - avoid heavy lifting and straining
- medications to decrease the bladder hyperactivity.
Surgical Treatments Of Urinary Incontinence
If these conservative treatment measures fail to treat your condition, Dr Mariud may recommend surgical procedures. These procedures will treat stress incontinence.
SUBURETHRAL SLING
This is minimally invasive surgical procedure. A very small sling is placed under the urethra. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and most women will stay in hospital overnight. Normal bladder function returns within a short period of time prior to discharge. Most women will note an instant improvement in their symptoms of stress incontinence.Women can return to work after 3-5 days.
This is the most common procedure for treating stress incontinence in the world. It is associated with a 90% success at 5years in the treatment of stress incontinence.