TL;DR:
- Urinary incontinence: Common condition causing urine leakage, discomfort, and shame; affects 1 in 4 women, worsening with age.
- Types:
- Stress incontinence: Triggered by activities increasing abdominal pressure (e.g., coughing).
- Urge incontinence: Involuntary urination from bladder muscle overactivity.
- Mixed incontinence: Combination of stress and urge symptoms.
- Causes: Genitourinary infections, hormonal changes (e.g., menopause), childbirth, obesity, smoking, surgeries, and chronic diseases.
- Treatment: Early medical consultation crucial. Mild-to-moderate cases can be treated effectively with laser therapy, a low-risk, outpatient procedure stimulating collagen to restore muscle tone.
- Procedure: Lasts ~30 mins, painless, no anesthesia required. Results visible after 1 month, with possible repeat after 1–3 months.
- Patients should avoid intercourse for 1 month post-treatment.
One of the most common chronic diseases is the problem of urinary incontinence, which causes mental and physical discomfort and can be a source of many inhibitions in private life. The sense of shame that accompanies this ailment affects the delay of treatment. People struggling with incontinence are often ashamed to discuss their condition with relatives and sometimes even doctors, so that diagnosis and treatment are significantly delayed.
What does urinary incontinence consist of?
Urinary incontinence, also known as incontinence, can hinder the daily functioning of many women and men, and negatively affects physical, occupational and sexual activities. According to studies, the problem of incontinence occurs in 1 in 4 women. The probability of the ailment increases from 10% in patients in their 20s to 35% in those over 50. Urinary incontinence is called an affliction involving urine leakage resulting from a decrease in vaginal muscle tone and the failure of the apparatus that closes the urethra. The diagnosis of the ailment in most cases is based on a physical examination and a thorough medical history. There are 3 types of this condition:
- Exertional urinary incontinence – usually occurs during activities that lead to increased pressure in the abdomen – coughing or exercise. The problem is caused, among other things, by weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and stretching of the vagina, resulting in a change in the angle of the urethra.
- Urge incontinence – a condition during which urination occurs independently of the person's will, as a result of excessive activity of the smooth muscles of the bladder.
- Mixed urinary incontinence – is characterized by the combined symptoms of stress and urgency incontinence.
What are the causes of urinary incontinence?
There can be many reasons for urinary incontinence. Usually, however, they are infections of the genitourinary system. Urinary incontinence is sometimes the first of their symptoms. In the case of such a diagnosis, the solution to the problem is drug treatment. The second reason, much more serious, is hormonal changes – a decrease in estrogen levels. This causes a decrease in the elasticity of the muscles of the pelvic floor and genitourinary diaphragm. As a result, the organs, including the urethra, are lowered. This is why urinary incontinence primarily affects women during and after menopause. Other possible reasons that contribute to stretching or damaging the pelvic floor muscles are also hard physical work and abuse of diuretics. The most common causes that cause stress urinary incontinence include:
- Natural childbirth, oxytocin-induced labor, labor lasting more than 24 hours, delivery of a baby over 4 kg,
- Overweight or obesity,
- Surgery in the lower abdominal area,
- Smoking,
- Constipation,
- Diabetic neuropathy,
- Chronic lung disease.
When to start thinking about incontinence treatment?
You need to consult a doctor immediately when you notice the first symptoms of the ailment. They appear after pregnancy and childbirth and during menopause. Many women over the age of 30 also struggle with this problem. This is mainly due to shame – many younger people do not admit to the condition. [read more url="https://otcoclinic.com/offer/" text="Gynecological diseases – causes, symptoms and treatments"]. The earlier the diagnosis and therapy of urinary incontinence begins, the better results can be obtained and the faster the problem can be gotten rid of. In the first stage of the disease, urine discharge occurs when the abdominal shells are tense – when the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases rapidly, such as when carrying heavy objects. Another type of discomfort is manifested by urine discharge during ordinary activities – physical labor, climbing stairs, running. With the last degree, the discomfort occurs in its most troublesome form. Urine discharge can occur even while standing.
What is laser treatment of urinary incontinence?
Laser therapy for urinary incontinence is one of the most effective treatment methods. This technique is distinguished by its low invasiveness. The laser beam acts on the vaginal walls, resulting in their contraction and increasing their tension, stimulating the growth of collagen fibers of the mucosa, which are responsible for elasticity. urinary incontinence treatment As a result of the laser, the intramammary fascia, vaginal walls and the urethral outlet area are strengthened. Laser radiation causes stimulation of mucosal collagen fibers, their multiplication and strengthening. As a result, the laser-treated tissues shrink. This then leads to a reduction in the angle of the urethra and restoration of its normal functionality.
How to prepare for the procedure?
Laser treatment for urinary incontinence is performed on an outpatient basis in a gynecological office setting. The procedure does not cause pain and there is no need for anesthesia. Before it, a cytological examination must be performed, and if there are additional diseases, it is necessary to provide a doctor's opinion that there are no contraindications to the procedure. [read more url="https://otcoclinic.com/offer/" text="Gynecological diseases – causes, symptoms and treatment methods"]. Before deciding on the procedure, it is also necessary to have a consultation, to which the results of the cytological examination should be taken. The specialist discusses in detail with the patient her health condition and medical history. The course of laser therapy is also determined at the meeting. The doctor may order additional diagnostic tests or immediately refer for the procedure.
How does the procedure proceed?
Before the laser treatment begins, the patient's vagina is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, after which the disinfectant solution is dried and removed from the mucosa. The next step is the insertion into the patient's vagina of a laser speculum having a special fractional laser head with an adapter. The laser allows to accurately expose the anterior vaginal wall. During several passes, the energy is deposited along the vaginal canal. The anterior vaginal wall and entrance undergoes the action of the laser. This results in a precisely controlled, thermal and non-ablative effect on the tissue. This contributes to the high quality and safety of the procedure. The procedure takes an average of 30 minutes, and a single visit is usually sufficient to alleviate mild to moderate incontinence. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated after a month.
What are the effects after the procedure?
Laser treatment of urinary incontinence restores the normal functioning of the structures of the genitourinary system. Correct urinary continence greatly facilitates the patient's daily functioning. Collagen fibers must have time to regenerate. This is why the first effects of the procedure can be felt about a month after it is performed. Sometimes, however, the remodeling process takes longer and the result appears only after a year. In most cases, however, for the full elimination of the problem it is enough to perform one treatment, and in occasional situations it is recommended to repeat it after about 1 – 3 months. Sometimes there is serous transudate – so it is recommended to use sanitary pads until this transudate disappears. Patients, however, are advised against intercourse for one month after the procedure.
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence is common, but it’s not something to suffer in silence. This condition can disrupt daily life and relationships, yet effective treatments, including laser therapy, offer real solutions. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to better outcomes. Laser therapy is quick, safe, and highly effective, especially for mild to moderate cases. Don’t let shame delay treatment—addressing the issue early restores your quality of life and confidence. Take control of your health and explore all available options for relief.
