Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Pulatoğlu from the Medicana Health Group Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology provided information about urinary incontinence and treatment methods.
Urinary incontinence is known as a problem that occurs more commonly in women and, if it recurs, leads to self-confidence issues. Many women withdraw from daily life due to urinary incontinence; their happy and healthy lives are negatively affected.
Pulatoğlu stated that involuntary urinary incontinence is a condition that must be treated, saying, “If it recurs, urinary incontinence negatively affects a person's quality of life. One in every four women complains about problems with the bladder or the muscles and organs in the lower abdomen (groin area), which we call the pelvic floor. However, women who say, 'I cannot hold my urine,' 'I am afraid to go out,' or 'my underwear gets wet whenever I cough or lift something heavy,' should know that treatment is possible.”
'URINARY INCONTINENCE IS NOT A PART OF AGING'
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pulatoğlu explained the causes of urinary incontinence as follows:
“Although it is seen more frequently in women who have had vaginal births, it can also be seen in women who have had cesarean sections. Besides this, giving birth at a young age, having multiple births, or difficult or assisted deliveries can also cause urinary incontinence. In addition, problems with pelvic floor muscles, various infections, genetic predisposition, obesity, advanced age, menopause, smoking and alcohol use, certain surgeries, diseases such as diabetes, and some medications used are also among the causes of urinary incontinence.
If you are experiencing a urinary incontinence problem, you should definitely seek help without feeling ashamed or hesitant. Experiencing frequent urination and other symptoms of urinary incontinence are not insignificant consequences of childbirth or a natural part of aging.”
Noting that urinary incontinence can cause many problems, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pulatoğlu said, “Physical activities are restricted for this reason. It causes withdrawal from social environments. It leads to insomnia, disrupts comfort, and may cause impairment in sexual functions. If a patient leaks urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing, walking, exercising, lifting a heavy object, or standing up from a sitting or lying position, they should definitely consult a doctor. Not being able to reach the toilet when the urge to urinate comes and feeling that one has not fully relieved oneself in the toilet also require a specialist's opinion. Sometimes, having a bladder control problem may mean there is an underlying serious medical condition such as diabetes or kidney disease. Therefore, medical help should be sought,” she said.
'SURGICAL METHODS CAN BE APPLIED'
Noting that many women prefer not to see a doctor due to urinary incontinence, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Pulatoğlu said, “However, the existence of permanent and effective treatment methods today has removed the urinary incontinence problem from being a hidden, accepted taboo. Urinary incontinence treatment is basically divided into 3 categories: behavioral, medication, and surgical.
Treatments are arranged according to the cause of the problem. For example, behavioral therapies are applied to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises, which are performed regularly and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, can be utilized. In behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes are also recommended to patients. Medication treatments are also applied in cases such as sudden urge to urinate or inability to reach the toilet.
Anticholinergics can be used in medication treatments. This drug group is among the urinary incontinence medications frequently used for urge incontinence treatment, overactive bladder syndrome, and mixed-type incontinence. If medication and behavioral therapies do not provide relief, surgical methods can be applied. There are also many different applications in the surgical field. These applications can vary from person to person depending on the type and cause of urinary incontinence. Closed and vaginal bladder suspension operations can be performed,” she said.