Types of incontinence
- Stress incontinence — leaking with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercise, due to weak pelvic floor support
- Urge incontinence (overactive bladder) — a sudden strong urge to pass urine with leaking before reaching the toilet
- Mixed incontinence — a combination of both
Common causes
- Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
- Menopause
- Chronic cough or constipation
- Obesity
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary tract infections
What helps
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises, done correctly and regularly
- Weight reduction
- Treating constipation and chronic cough
- Bladder training for urge symptoms
- Reducing caffeine
- Medicines for overactive bladder, as prescribed
Surgical treatment
When stress incontinence does not improve, surgery can provide support to the urethra. Smita Memorial Hospital's Obstetrics and Gynaecology department treats urinary incontinence with TVT-O and TOT procedures, and performs surgery for genital prolapse. The Urology Department also manages overactive bladder and incontinence.
When to see a doctor
- Leaking affects your daily life or confidence
- Burning urine, blood in urine or fever
- A feeling of a bulge or heaviness in the vagina
- Sudden new incontinence
How to do pelvic floor exercises correctly
- Find the right muscles — the ones you would use to stop passing urine midstream (use this only to identify them, not as a regular exercise)
- Squeeze and lift these muscles, hold for a few seconds, then relax fully
- Repeat several times, building up gradually
- Also practise quick squeezes and releases
- Do not hold your breath or tighten the stomach, thighs or buttocks
- Practise every day; improvement usually takes weeks
A physiotherapist or gynaecologist can check that you are doing them correctly.
Pelvic organ prolapse
Prolapse happens when the pelvic organs — bladder, womb or bowel — drop down into the vagina because their supporting tissues have weakened, often after childbirth or menopause. It may cause a feeling of heaviness, a bulge, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, or discomfort. Mild prolapse may be managed with exercises, while more significant prolapse can be treated surgically. Smita Memorial Hospital's gynaecology department performs surgery for genital prolapse.
Bladder habits that help
- Drink enough fluid — concentrated urine can irritate the bladder
- Avoid going to the toilet “just in case” too often
- Gradually lengthen the time between visits if you have urgency
- Treat constipation
- Limit tea, coffee and fizzy drinks
Specialists you can consult
Dr. Anies M.S
MBBS, MRCOG: Part 2, Fellowship in HIV Medicine. Certicate of Sonography…
Frequently asked questions
Is leaking urine after childbirth normal?
It is common, but it is not something you must live with. Pelvic floor exercises and treatment can help.
What is TVT-O / TOT surgery?
Procedures that place a supportive tape under the urethra to prevent leaking with coughing or exertion.
Can prolapse be treated?
Yes. Smita Memorial Hospital performs surgery for genital prolapse; milder cases may be managed without surgery.
Which doctor should I see?
A gynaecologist or urologist. Both departments at Smita Memorial Hospital manage incontinence.
Sources
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, smitahospital.com
- Urology, smitahospital.com
