Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine, a common but often underreported condition among women. It can significantly affect quality of life, leading to embarrassment, anxiety, and social withdrawal.

Gynaecologists play a key role in diagnosing and treating urinary incontinence, especially in women affected by childbirth, menopause, or pelvic floor issues.

Types of Urinary Incontinence:

1. Stress Incontinence

• Leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise
• Caused by weak pelvic floor muscles or weakened urethral support

2. Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)

• Sudden strong urge to urinate, with inability to hold it
• Often caused by bladder muscle overactivity

3. Mixed Incontinence

• Combination of stress + urge incontinence

4. Overflow Incontinence

• Bladder doesn't empty fully, leading to dribbling

5. Functional Incontinence

• Due to physical or mental barriers to reaching the toilet (e.g., arthritis, dementia)

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Pregnancy and childbirth (especially vaginal delivery)
• Menopause (loss of estrogen affects pelvic tissues)
• Aging
• Obesity
• Chronic cough or constipation
• Pelvic surgery or trauma
• Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, MS)

When to See a Gynaecologist:

• Leakage interferes with daily activities
• Worsening symptoms after childbirth or menopause
• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Pelvic pressure or visible bulge (suggestive of prolapse)