Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a common and distressing problem affecting approximately 1 in 3 people over the age of 60 years. It is seen more frequently in women, but can affect men as well among whom it is often caused by prostatic surgery. Urinary incontinence can significantly impair patients’ quality of life by affecting their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.

Urinary incontinence is either caused by an overactive bladder, a weak pelvic floor/urinary sphincter or a combination of both (stress and urge) and therefore there are a number of different types of urinary incontinence:

Diagnostic tests

There are a number of tests available to diagnose whether a patient has and the type of urinary incontinence.

Ultrasound scan KUB

This is done to assess the bladder emptying and the well-being of kidneys and the bladder.

Urodynamics

Urodynamic test the function of your bladder and how well the bladder, sphincters, and urethra hold and release urine.

During the tests, your bladder is filled and then emptied while pressure readings are taken from the bladder and the abdomen.

Click here to view the patient information from the British Association of Urological Surgeons.

Treatment of Incontinence

Conservative Management

This includes optimisation of weight and fluid intake and avoidance of irritant fluids such as caffeinated and carbonated drinks.

Bladder retraining

Bladder retraining is behavioural training that includes exercises that help overcome the urge to urinate and therefore increase the intervals between emptying the bladder.

Pelvic floor exercises (PFMT)

Aim of these is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This can be learnt under the formal guidance of a dedicated physiotherapist.

Anti-cholinergic medication

These are medications that calm down the bladder and are effective in about 60% of patients.

Intravesical injection of Botox

This Involves a minor day case procedure where botox is injected at several places in the bladder wall. It is performed via a telescope inserted into the urethra (water pipe). It has an 80% success rate. The only serious side effect seen in about 10 -15% of patients is a temporary impairment of bladder emptying requiring use of a catheter. The treatment needs to be repeated once every 6-9 months.