Can Urinary Incontinence Caused By Bladder-Vaginal Abnormalities Be Treated?

Surgical procedures such as sling placement or prolapse repair may be necessary to correct anatomical abnormalities or strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder.

Written By: Tavishi Dogra | Updated : May 24, 2024 2:54 PM IST

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Urinary leakage, medically known as urinary incontinence, affects millions of individuals, yet it remains a topic shrouded in stigma and embarrassment, which prevents many from seeking help! Let us shed light on this issue to empower individuals to seek appropriate care and live free of urinary incontinence.

What Are The Types Of Urinary Incontinence?

There are four main types of urinary leakage:

Urgency: In this type of leakage, a person starts leaking urine before reaching the toilet.
Stress: In this type of leakage, a person leaks while coughing, sneezing, or even laughing!
Overflow: Here, a person leaks when the bladder becomes full of urine and then overflows when an additional amount of urine is generated by the kidneys.
Constant: In some cases, there is a constant leakage of urine due to abnormal communication between the bladder and vagina, called a vesicovaginal fistula.

What Are The Causes Of Urinary Leakage?

Our urine control is dependent on the coordination of pelvic floor muscles with the spinal cord and brain, the support of the urinary bladder and passage from surrounding elastic tissue. Many things can lead to urinary leakage, including weak pelvic floor muscles (after childbirth, obesity, old age), a drop-in hormone during menopause, and certain medical conditions like prostate disease, urinary tract infection (UTI), prolapse, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson disease, etc.

Preventing Urinary Leakage

Dr Tejas Mistry, Urologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, shares some steps individuals can take to improve bladder health and reduce urinary incontinence:

Behavioural therapy: While adequate hydration is essential for health, overhydration can exacerbate symptoms. One can adjust fluid intake and then be guided by urine colour. If it's clear or pale yellow, one is adequately hydrated. If it's dark yellow, one may need to drink more fluids.
Practice Kegels: Pelvic Floor exercises support the bladder and improve bladder control.
Healthy lifestyle: At least 30 minutes of daily brisk walking or jogging, a balanced low-sodium diet, avoiding sugar and processed food, adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy weight (BMI) boost overall health.
Consult a urologist: Certain drugs may be necessary to calm the bladder muscles or reduce urinary urgency. For some individuals, medical devices such as pessaries, which can be placed in an office setting, may be recommended to support the bladder and urethra.

Surgical Intervention

Surgical procedures such as sling placement or prolapse repair may be necessary to correct anatomical abnormalities or strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder. Urinary leakage should not be stigmatized. Through understanding, individuals can regain control over their bladder and enjoy a better quality of life.

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