Incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, which can result from various factors and conditions. The most common types of incontinence in women include stress incontinence, which occurs during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, and urge incontinence, which involves a sudden and intense need to urinate that cannot be delayed. The causes of incontinence in women are diverse: pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, urinary tract infections, as well as certain medical conditions.

Diagnosing incontinence usually begins with a thorough medical examination and a discussion about symptoms and symptom history. The doctor may recommend keeping a bladder diary, which can help identify patterns and triggers of incontinence. Additional tests may include urine analysis to rule out infections, as well as specialized tests such as urodynamic testing, which evaluates bladder and urethral function.

Treatment for incontinence in women depends on the type of incontinence, as well as its cause and severity. Lifestyle changes, such as pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises), fluid management, and dietary changes, may lead to improvement. In some cases, medications that help control urgency and frequency of urination may be prescribed.
When conservative methods fail to achieve desired results in treating stress urinary incontinence, the “sling” procedure may be an effective surgical option. This procedure involves placing a small sling around the urethra to provide necessary support and prevent involuntary urine leakage during physical activities like coughing, laughing, or exercising. The sling is typically made of synthetic material and customized to support the urethra without interfering with normal urination.
In addition to surgical interventions, biofeedback therapies have also shown effectiveness in treating incontinence. Biofeedback therapies involve the use of specialized equipment that allows patients to visualize pelvic floor muscle activity on a screen, facilitating learning of proper Kegel exercises. This method can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder control, and reduce symptoms of incontinence.