Incontinence in Women

Incontinence can have a significant impact on a women’s quality of life, with the right management many women can have a satisfactory outcome.

At your initial consultation you will see Ms Pallavi Latthe MD, MRCOG, DFFP, Cert. Med Ed subspecialist in Urogynaecology, Consultant Gynaecologist. Ms Latthe will discuss in detail the symptoms you are experiencing these may include:

• Frequency (daytime), night time, urgency, urge incontinence
• Stress incontinence
• Constant leakage
• Hesitance, straining to void, poor or intermittent urinary stream
• Sensation of incomplete emptying
• Recurrent cystitis/painful bladder and feeling of bulge down below

Stress and urge incontinence are common are the most common forms of urinary incontinence.

What is stress incontinence?

Stress incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine commonly on sneezing, coughing, laughing or exercising. It is the most common form of urinary incontinence and occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to prevent urination. It is a common problem and it is estimated that about 3 million people in the UK are affected. It is more common in women particularly after child birth and in women after the menopause as the pelvic muscles become weaker.

Often the main treatment is to do exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (pelvic floor exercises). If these do not help, another treatment option in some people is surgery to 'tighten' or support the bladder outlet. In those who do not want surgery or in whom surgery is not suitable, medication may help in addition to exercises if exercises alone are not effective

What is urge incontinence?

Urge incontinence is the second most common type of incontinence and is thought to occur as a result of incorrect signals being sent between the brain and the bladder. Urge incontinence is when you get the strong, urgent desire to pass urine and urine may leak before you get time to reach the toilet. Treatment is different to stress incontinence.

Some people have both stress incontinence and urge incontinence. This is known as 'mixed' incontinence.

Diagnosis and management of incontinence

There are other less common types of incontinence. Each type has different treatments. At your appointment Ms Latthe will perform a physical examination and discuss your medical history to determine your type of incontinence.

Urinary incontinence can be an uncomfortable and upsetting problem. Many people may think that it is an inevitable part of ageing, but there are several forms of treatment, that can help ease or stop the symptoms.

Following your appointment you will receive a written report and a copy can be sent to you GP with your consent.