Urinary Incontinence Treatment

The frequency of urinary incontinence increases with age. However, many young women also seek our clinic in Kayseri with complaints of urinary incontinence. Despite being a common issue, women may hesitate to seek medical help, believing that the problem is unsolvable, or they may be unsure whether to see a gynecologist or a urology specialist. However, urinary incontinence is not an unsolvable problem and can be corrected with various treatment methods.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

In fact, urinary incontinence can be classified into two main types. Since the mechanism causing urinary incontinence is completely different in these two types, the treatments also vary. Urinary incontinence can be fundamentally divided into two types: Overactive Bladder, also known as urge incontinence, and stress urinary incontinence. In Kayseri, when patients present with complaints of urinary incontinence or inability to hold urine, we initially determine the type of urinary incontinence and then tailor a suitable treatment plan accordingly.

Overactive Bladder

I will begin by discussing the first type, which is overactive bladder, also known as urge incontinence. In these patients, urinary leakage does not occur as a result of coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. Instead, there is a sudden and urgent need to urinate, and even if the patient rushes to the toilet, they may still leak urine halfway there. In this type of urinary incontinence, the problem arises from the uncontrolled activation of the nerves that stimulate our bladder, leading to the initiation of the urination reflex that cannot be stopped. Surgery is not indicated for this type of urinary incontinence. Surgical intervention is not a solution for these patients. The cornerstone of treatment for these patients is medication. In addition to medication, we also incorporate laser therapy and exercises for the pelvic floor muscles to achieve better results.

Stress Urinary Incontinence

Another type of urinary incontinence is stress urinary incontinence. In these patients, urinary leakage occurs when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Increased intra-abdominal pressure during activities such as jumping, coughing, sneezing, or sudden laughter can lead to urinary leakage. The problem in this type of urinary incontinence is the loss of the normal structure and mobility of the tissues between the bladder and the urethra, the tube that allows us to urinate. Giving birth and being overweight are the most common factors that increase the likelihood of urinary incontinence. Medication is not effective in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Since the problem here is anatomical, our first recommendation for patients with this type of urinary incontinence is to lose excess weight. Then, it is important to rehabilitate weakened muscles, often due to childbirth or aging, through exercises to regain their strength. Laser therapy is highly effective in treating stress urinary incontinence that occurs during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. If these treatments do not yield results for patients with complaints of urinary incontinence, surgery using the sling method can effectively improve urinary incontinence.

In patients with urinary incontinence, there may be situations where both types of urinary incontinence mentioned above occur together. This is called mixed urinary incontinence. In this case, after conducting a detailed examination based on the patient’s complaints, a combined treatment plan should be planned to address both types of incontinence.

The solution to urinary incontinence varies depending on the type of urinary incontinence complaint. Urinary leakage that occurs during coughing or sneezing can often be reduced with exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. More severe cases of urinary incontinence are usually resolved with surgery. In cases where urinary leakage occurs due to a sudden urge to urinate that arises without coughing or sneezing, oral medications are used for treatment before reaching the toilet.

Urinary incontinence is often a standalone condition. Having experienced pregnancy and childbirth increases the likelihood of urinary incontinence. Urinary tract infections and diabetes (high blood sugar) can also cause urinary incontinence. Although more rarely seen, urinary incontinence can also be a symptom of diseases such as bladder tumors, neurological disorders, kidney stones, urinary tract stones or gravel, and cancer causing obstruction in the bladder.

Women who experience urinary incontinence often lack information about which department to visit for examination. In the case of urinary incontinence, female patients should visit specialists in obstetrics and gynecology (gynecologists). Follow-up with medication or necessary surgical procedures for patients with urinary incontinence should be conducted by an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist who has worked in this field. The urology department primarily deals with urinary incontinence problems in male patients.

To prevent urinary incontinence, fluid intake should be restricted. It is advisable not to consume more than 2 liters of fluid per day. It is also beneficial not to consume excess fluids up to 3 hours before bedtime. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake is necessary. Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises help reduce urinary incontinence symptoms. In some cases, applying botox to the bladder or undergoing surgery can also help prevent urinary incontinence entirely.

While urinary incontinence can occur at any age, it is more commonly seen in older women. Being pregnant and having a normal delivery increases the risk. Urinary incontinence is more common in women with urinary tract infections and diabetes. Although urinary incontinence complaints are more frequent in women, they can also rarely occur in men. Women experiencing urinary incontinence symptoms should seek treatment from a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.

If urinary incontinence is left untreated, it can lead to depression in women. Constant urinary leakage can alienate women from society, and the fear of urinary leakage may prevent them from leaving home. Urinary incontinence can also lead to hygiene problems, as well as diaper rash and irritation in the genital area. Women who experience urinary incontinence should seek medical attention without delay to address their problems.

Urinary incontinence can be definitively treated with medication and surgery depending on the type. However, it is known that certain herbs can also reduce urinary incontinence symptoms. The cranberry plant is known to reduce urinary incontinence complaints and also has benefits for urinary tract infections. Horsetail herb has diuretic properties. Another herb that is beneficial for urinary incontinence is pumpkin seeds. Consuming a handful of pumpkin seeds daily may provide some improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms, albeit minimal. The most appropriate approach for women experiencing urinary incontinence is to consult a specialist rather than relying solely on herbal remedies.

Urinary incontinence is a problem that can be quickly resolved with the correct non-permanent treatment. Improvement in urinary incontinence typically occurs within about a month. For urinary leakage that occurs during coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects, we recommend surgery for correction. For urinary leakage that occurs after feeling the urge to urinate but before reaching the toilet, a treatment plan involving laser therapy and medication should be considered.

During a doctor’s examination for urinary incontinence, a cough test is performed. The patient is asked to cough while holding in their urine, and the amount of urinary leakage is determined. This examination is important and plays a significant role in determining the decision for surgery and the surgical method.

Urinary incontinence can be a harbinger of a serious condition. While diabetes can cause urinary incontinence, sometimes it can also be a sign of a malignant disease such as prostate cancer.

The symptoms of bladder prolapse may not always include urinary incontinence. Bladder prolapse can be permanently corrected with surgery. Bladder and uterine prolapse often become more pronounced during straining.

Urinary incontinence is often encountered in young women. This could be due to two reasons. Urinary leakage after the urge to urinate is associated with overstimulation of the bladder. Urinary leakage during coughing or sneezing is usually seen in women who have given birth. At our clinic in Kayseri, we provide treatment plans for patients coming from neighboring cities such as Nevşehir, Niğde, Kırşehir, Yozgat, Ankara, and Sivas, who complain of urinary incontinence and inability to hold urine.

Urinary incontinence surgery typically lasts an average of 1-2 hours. Urinary incontinence surgery can be performed using two different methods. The most commonly preferred urinary incontinence surgeries are called TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape) and TOT (Transobturator Tape) procedures. TVT application is more difficult but offers a more permanent solution with successful outcomes. Urinary incontinence surgery is more effective in women who experience urinary leakage when coughing or sneezing.

Recovery and relief from pain after urinary incontinence surgery typically occur within 4-5 days. The healing time may vary depending on the type of urinary incontinence surgery performed and the experience of the surgeon who performed the urinary incontinence surgery.

The reason for urinary leakage when sneezing in women is often due to having given birth previously. Getting pregnant and giving birth can permanently cause urinary incontinence problems in some women. Surgery may be necessary to correct this type of urinary incontinence. After urinary incontinence surgery, your urinary incontinence symptoms may rapidly return to normal.

There are medications that can help with urinary incontinence. However, it is important to make a clear distinction between urinary incontinence that can be treated with medication and urinary incontinence that requires surgery. Urinary leakage that occurs as the urge to urinate comes on but the person cannot reach the toilet in time can be treated with medication. However, medication treatment initiated to prevent urinary leakage should be continued continuously. Side effects of urinary incontinence medications may include dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, and high blood pressure. In such cases, changing the medication may be appropriate.

If urinary tract infections are left untreated, they can lead to urinary incontinence. Urinary leakage complaints typically subside after urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. Whether there is an infection in the urinary tract can be determined with a simple urine culture test. Diseases such as diabetes (high blood sugar) can also cause urinary incontinence.

Women who have complaints of urinary incontinence may be confused about which specialist to consult. Women experiencing urinary incontinence should visit a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology (gynecologist) for examination. In the case of urinary incontinence complaints in men, male patients should also see a specialist in urology.

Blood in the urine can be a sign of conditions such as kidney stones, gravel, or urinary tract infections. In urinary tract infections, burning sensation during urination and frequent urination may also accompany blood in the urine. Blood in the urine can rarely be a sign of malignant diseases such as bladder cancer. Patients complaining of blood in the urine should undergo a detailed examination by a specialist in urology for further evaluation.

There are two surgical techniques that we most commonly prefer for urinary incontinence. These are TVT (transvaginal tape application) and TOT (transobturator tape application) surgical techniques. Both surgeries are performed under anesthesia in the hospital. Since the stitches in the surgeries will remain in the vaginal area, you will not have stitches in the abdomen. The basic principle in both surgeries is that the exit of the bladder becomes weaker and more mobile due to previous deliveries. This condition leads to urinary leakage during coughing or sneezing. In both TOT and TVT surgeries, this increased mobility is suspended by a sling method to the bone, thus ending your urinary leakage. A sling is applied in both surgeries, but the name and technical details may vary depending on the bone being suspended. During these surgeries, a 1 cm incision is made in your vagina. A tape is passed through this incision and a sling is applied. This tape is made of a special material and is not visible from the outside. It is left as a permanent sling inside your body. The duration of TOT and TVT surgeries is approximately 50 minutes. The postoperative pain is very minimal.

The difference between TOT and TVT urinary incontinence surgeries lies in the placement of the sling used to prevent urinary leakage. TVT surgery provides more permanent results compared to TOT surgery. TVT surgery is technically more challenging and requires more surgical experience than TOT surgery. TVT surgery is my preferred choice. However, in patients who have undergone numerous abdominal surgeries similar to cesarean sections in the past, TOT surgery may also be preferred.

We plan treatments for our patients with urinary incontinence at our clinic in Kayseri. Our clinic, specialized in urinary incontinence issues in Kayseri, not only treats patients from Kayseri but also attends to many patients from neighboring cities such as Sivas, Nevşehir, Niğde, Kırşehir, Yozgat, and Ankara.

Laser treatment for urinary incontinence can be applied to women experiencing urinary leakage. We perform laser procedures at our clinic located in Kayseri province. Laser treatment strengthens the pelvic (genital area) muscles of women, leading to a reduction in urinary leakage.