Urinary incontinence is more common in older women, but it can also affect many younger women. Up to 22% of women at the age of 45 may have problems with urinary stress incontinence. Even young women who have not had children can be affected by urinary incontinence. However many women are too embarrassed to seek help.
There are two common types of urinary incontinence – “Stress incontinence” and “Overactive bladder”. Often the two occur in combination. This is referred to as “Mixed Urinary Incontinence”.
Women with stress incontinence will experience leakage of urine when they increase their intra-abdominal pressures. This may occur during coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping or during other exercises.
This is a day procedure performed under a general anaesthetic
A small incision is made in the vagina. The permanent tape is introduced via the vagina to sit under the urethra.
Success rates
Overactive bladder is also referred to as “Detrussor Instability”. It is characterised by frequent urination (8 or more times per 24 hours) and urinary urgency (a strong desire to void). Urge incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine with urinary urgency.
In order to assess the nature of your urinary incontinence, Dr Ken Law may arrange for you to have a test called “Urodynamics studies”, in order to ascertain the best treatment for your condition.
The main treatment for overactive bladder is “bladder retraining”. Brisbane Incontinence specialist Dr Ken Law will work together with his physiotherapist to help you learn to overcome the urge to pass urine. Medications are often helpful as an adjunct to this process of retraining the bladder.
Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane gynaecologist who specialises in the treatment of urinary incontinence. To discuss your condition and specific treatment, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange an appointment at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
