Female Urinary Incontinence

Female urinary incontinence is the inability to control urine leakage and occurs when the sphincter muscles cannot pinch the urethra shut, leading to a strong urge to urinate. In addition, habits such as laughing, sneezing, or exercising can pressure the muscles and lead to leakage.

Another cause of female urinary incontinence is an issue with the nerves controlling the bladder muscles and urethra.

Why does urinary incontinence affect women?

Women are more prone to urinary incontinence due to unique health events, like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. These health events impact the urinary tract and can weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the uterus, bladder, urethra, and bowels.

When the muscles in the urinary tract are weak, they must work harder to hold urine until you are ready to urinate. The extra pressure then causes leakage and further damage to the urinary tract.

Types of female urine incontinence

There are two main types of female urinary incontinence:

Stress incontinence: This is a common type of incontinence that occurs due to stress or pressure on the bladder. When weak pelvic floor muscles pressure the bladder, it makes them work harder and can lead to leakage, especially when coughing, laughing or sneezing. Physical activity and sudden movements can also cause leakage.

Urge incontinence: This type of incontinence causes a strong, sudden urge to urinate, so much so that you don't often make it to the bathroom in time. Some women with urge incontinence can reach a bathroom in time but feel the urge to urinate extremely often during the day. It's also common to have minimal urine pass when you get to the bathroom. This condition tends to occur unexpectedly, such as when you sleep or hear running water.

Mixed incontinence is a third type of incontinence that occurs when women have both stress and urge incontinence.

Assessment for female urinary incontinence

The assessment of urinary incontinence begins with a complete history and physical examination. In addition, basic investigations such as urine testing and ultrasound assessment of bladder emptying are also performed. The combination of the above tests produces a clinical diagnosis of the type of urinary incontinence and a treatment plan to be formulated.

Dr Vlok will discuss your treatment options depending on your type of urinary incontinence and the severity of your condition.