When Should You See a Specialist for Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects approximately 10-40% of Singaporeans, yet many individuals delay seeking help due to embarrassment or the misconception that bladder leakage is simply a normal part of ageing. While occasional urinary leakage can occur for various reasons, persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying issue that requires professional evaluation.

The good news is that urinary incontinence is often manageable, and a wide range of effective treatment options are available. Understanding the different types of urinary incontinence and recognising when symptoms warrant specialist attention can help you take proactive steps towards improving your bladder health and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Persistent or worsening urinary incontinence should be assessed by a specialist to identify the cause and prevent complications.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, sudden, or accompanied by blood in the urine, infections or pelvic pain.
• Early treatment can improve bladder control, confidence, and overall quality of life.

What Are the Types of Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is not a single condition but a symptom that can occur in several different forms. The most common types vary in their symptoms, triggers, and severity, which is why an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Temporary Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence may happen all of a sudden and then go away after a short period of time. Certain drinks and foods may increase the volume of urine and stimulate your bladder. These consist of:

• Foods that are high in spice, sugar or acid (citrus fruits)
• Large doses of vitamin C
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Carbonated drinks
• Artificial sweeteners
• Chocolate
• Chilli peppers

Permanent Urinary Incontinence

Some forms of urinary incontinence may persist over time and require medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

Childbirth

Vaginal delivery can damage the bladder nerves and supportive tissue that controls the bladder. It can also weaken the pelvic floor muscles, resulting in an overactive bladder. An overactive bladder can cause a sudden urge to urinate, frequent urination and, in some cases, urine leakage.

Ageing

Ageing of the bladder muscle can reduce the bladder's capacity to store urine. This means that as you get older, involuntary bladder contractions become recurrent.

Menopause

After menopause, women produce less oestrogen - a kind of hormone that retains the lining of the bladder and urethra in good physical shape. Lack of oestrogen causes the pelvic muscles to deteriorate and may not be able to control the bladder.

Hysterectomy

Any surgery that involves a woman's reproductive system like the removal of the uterus, may hurt the supporting pelvic floor muscles and cause incontinence.

What Are the Signs You Should See a Specialist for Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence may start as an occasional inconvenience, but it should not be ignored if symptoms become frequent, disruptive, or difficult to manage. Seeing a specialist can help identify the cause of bladder leakage and determine whether targeted treatment is needed.

Urinary Leakage Becomes Frequent or Disruptive

Occasional urine leakage may not always be a cause for concern. However, if incontinence occurs regularly or begins to interfere with daily activities, work, exercise, social interactions, or sleep, it may be time to seek specialist care.

Symptoms Continue Despite Conservative Treatments

Lifestyle modifications, bladder training, and pelvic floor exercises can help manage mild urinary incontinence. If symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, a specialist can assess whether additional treatments are needed.

You Experience Sudden or Severe Symptoms

A sudden onset of urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder, or a strong and frequent urge to urinate that is difficult to control may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

Incontinence Occurs Alongside Other Concerning Symptoms

Seek prompt medical attention if urinary incontinence is accompanied by recurrent urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, or neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or changes in bowel function.

The Benefits of Early Specialist Evaluation

A specialist can identify the underlying cause of urinary incontinence through a comprehensive assessment and recommend personalised treatment options. Early intervention may help prevent symptoms from worsening and improve overall quality of life.

How Do Specialists Treat Urinary Incontinence?

Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the condition. After a thorough assessment, a specialist can recommend a personalised treatment plan to reduce symptoms, improve bladder control, and help patients regain confidence in their daily lives.

Exercises

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises can tighten the muscles that help control urination. A specialist may recommend you to try doing Kegel exercises by contracting your muscles, holding it for 5 seconds and releasing it after about 5 seconds as well.

Squats

Another exercise is to try doing squats by standing in an upright position and dropping down until your thighs are parallel to the ground, maintaining the weight in your heels and bowing the knees a little outward.

Bladder Training

Bladder training helps the patient slowly gain back control over their bladder. These are the following techniques for bladder training.

Postponing the Event

The patient learns how to delay urination whenever there is an impulse to do so. The aim is to control the urge.

Scheduled Toilet Trips

The patient learns to set a toilet time during the day, e.g. going every 2 hours. This strengthens the bladder as it learns to control the urge to urinate.

Medications

If you choose to have medications, exercises and bladder training are still necessary. Here are some of the medications that are prescribed to treat urinary incontinence:

• Anticholinergics and newer oral therapy are now available to calm an overactive bladder.
• Topical oestrogen, which reinforces tissue in the urethra and vaginal areas, which maintains the muscular and connective tissues.
• Imipramine, which reduces the number of times you leak urine.

Professional Urinary Incontinence Treatment with Dr Michael Wong

Urinary incontinence can take many forms, from occasional leakage during physical activity to sudden urges that are difficult to control. While mild symptoms may respond to conservative treatments, persistent or worsening incontinence should be evaluated by a specialist to identify the underlying cause and determine the most effective treatment approach.

At International Urology, Fertility, and Gynaecology Centre, we are committed to helping patients regain confidence and improve their quality of life through personalised urinary incontinence care. Learn more about our specialists, including Dr Michael Wong and discover how our expertise can support your urinary health.

If you are experiencing symptoms of urinary incontinence, don't wait for them to affect your daily life. Book an appointment with our team today to discuss your concerns and explore treatment options tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About When to See a Specialist for Urinary Incontinence