Incontinence - Causes, Treatment

Incontinence is any unwanted or involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder that cannot be controlled voluntarily. It is considered a health issue when it occurs regularly. Statistics show that women are more prone to develop this condition than men.

This condition affects over 200 million women worldwide. It's a misconception that incontinence is an inevitable consequence of aging. While the risk of incontinence increases with age, it can also affect younger individuals.

Incontinence can have significant consequences on a patient's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. However, it is almost always the result of an underlying condition that can be successfully managed or treated.

Specialists in leading private clinics in Switzerland, have extensive experience and specialized knowledge in treating incontinence in both men and women. CorSwiss specializes in organizing treatment in Switzerland.

Causes of Incontinence

Causes in Women

Incontinence is more common in women, primarily due to the anatomy of the urinary tract and hormonal effects.

Several scientific studies have shown that pregnancy and childbirth (both cesarean and vaginal deliveries) can increase the risk of incontinence. In these cases, there is a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, leading to a condition known as urethral hypermobility (inadequate closure of the urethra). Incontinence affects approximately 20-40% of women after childbirth, with most cases being temporary (spontaneously resolving within a month or so) and mainly stress-related. Uterine prolapse can also lead to incontinence and affects approximately half of all women who have given birth. During menopause , women may experience urinary leakage due to a decrease in estrogen levels. Notably, estrogen replacement therapy has not been effective in managing these symptoms.

Causes in Men

Men typically experience incontinence less frequently than women. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) is the most common cause of incontinence in men over the age of 40. Prostate cancer and certain medical treatments can also be associated with this condition. Surgery or radiation therapy, for instance, can damage or weaken the muscles responsible for controlling urine flow.

In both men and women, aging leads to a general weakening of the sphincter muscles of the urethra and a reduced bladder capacity.

Some cases of incontinence are temporary and often related to lifestyle factors. Excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, or fluids can lead to a loss of control over the bladder. Certain medications, such as diuretics, estrogens, benzodiazepines, antide ssants, and laxatives, can also cause short-term incontinence. Additionally, some health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, back problems Smoking . and Alzheimer's disease, can disrupt the nerve pre function of the bladder.

HOW IS FEMALE INCONTINENCE DIAGNOSED?

Regarding female incontinence, medical expertise is divided between gynecologists and urologists In recent years, a new specialty called urogynecology has emerged, focusing on cases requiring a complex diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

In other words, patients can be categorized into two groups:

• Simple incontinence, where women mainly experience leakage during stress, urgency, or mixed incontinence. This can be safely managed by a gynecologist or urologist since it involves non-invasive methods.
• Complex cases with additional significant symptoms that necessitate a more targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approach. These cases require the expertise of a urogynecologist or urologist with specific specialization.

Thus, there are two types of diagnostic pathways recommended by the society of urologists:

• The first, simpler type, can be safely performed by a gynecologist or a urologist since it is non-invasive.
• The second, on the other hand, is more invasive (also known as surgical treatment) and should be conducted by a specialist urogynecologist or a urologist with specific expertise.