URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN: NORMAL OR CAUSE FOR CONCERN?

Urinary incontinence is a delicate problem faced by millions of women around the world. For some, this symptom may be a temporary inconvenience, while for others it is a serious obstacle to a full life. Let’s find out why urinary incontinence occurs, how to diagnose it and what modern medicine offers to treat this condition, with our expert Victoria Romikh, head of the urodynamics and neurourology group at the N. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology (SRIUIR) – the branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre (NMRRC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

Why does urinary incontinence occur?

Urinary incontinence is most commonly associated with dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles, bladder sphincters, or neurogenic regulation of urination. Among the causes may include:

• neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, the consequences of a stroke);
• surgical interventions on the pelvic organs, including removal of the uterus;
• heavy childbirth, hard physical labor, trauma.

“Urinary incontinence is not just an age-related problem, as patients often think. It is a condition that occurs in women of all ages. The problem can be associated with various pathological processes, including diseases of the nervous system or damage to muscle tissue during childbirth,” notes Viktoria Valerievna.

One-time episodes of urinary incontinence, such as coughing or laughing, may not always require immediate intervention. However, if the problem recurs regularly and the quality of life deteriorates, it is a reason to consult a urologist.

The symptom of urinary incontinence can indicate serious conditions such as urinary tract infections, diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse. Early diagnosis, including completion of urinary diaries, ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder with residual urine, and combined urodynamic studies, is important for choosing the best treatment.

What treatments are available?

Modern medicine offers many treatment options for urinary incontinence.

The choice of treatment method is based on the examination performed and the type of disease identified. In case of stress urinary incontinence (or, as it is more commonly called, stress urinary incontinence), the gold standard is surgical correction sling urethropexy. But there are women who are afraid of surgical intervention, or it is contraindicated for one reason or another. For such women, it is possible to use minimally invasive techniques introduction of a special substance into the area of the sphincter apparatus of the bladder. Also a promising area of treatment are the so-called training techniques biofeedback method in combination with electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles, including supplemented with extracorporeal electromagnetic stimulation or tibial neuromodulation.

“It is important for women suffering from urinary incontinence to know that incontinence can be treated without resorting to surgery. Exercises, physiotherapy and medication give excellent results, especially in the early stages,” adds Viktoria Valerievna.

Prevention of urinary incontinence involves:

• Regularly performing pelvic floor exercises;
• weight control;
• timely treatment of urinary tract infections;
• moderate physical activity to maintain muscle tone.

Urinary incontinence is not a verdict and not an age-related norm, but a disease that can and should be treated. Modern technology and a comprehensive approach allows most patients to regain confidence and quality of life. The main thing is not to gloss over the problem and seek medical help in a timely manner.

Make an appointment for a consultation with specialized specialists at N. Lopatkin SRIUIR, can be reached by phone: 8 499 110-40-67.