There are different types of urinary incontinence, such as:

• Urge incontinence – A patient with urge incontinence may often experience a sudden sensation of needing to pass urine which is then followed by leakage of urine prior to planned voiding. Urge incontinence is typically due to bladder muscle overactivity. There are a variety of causes of bladder overactivity.
• Stress incontinence – This is triggered by certain physical activities that exert pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing and exercising. An increase in pressure on the bladder may lead to involuntary leakage of urine in certain individuals.
• Overflow incontinence – Patients with overflow incontinence may experience constant dribbling of urine. The underlying cause of overflow incontinence is poor bladder emptying.
• Mixed incontinence – Causes and types of incontinence may overlap, and leakage of urine may be the result of several different factors. Stress and urge incontinence frequently occur in combination.

How is urinary incontinence treated?

Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type of incontinence and the underlying cause of the incontinence.

• Bladder training – This involves you learning to delay urination or schedule bathroom times.
• Pelvic floor exercises – This treatment is offered by physiotherapists who provide training and strengthening exercises. Successful rehabilitation of the floor of the pelvis improves urination and reduces leakage of urine.
• Medication – Dr Le Roux may prescribe medications to improve urination and reduce leakage. These drugs are particularly effective in the treatment of urge urinary incontinence.
• Botox injections – The injection of Botulinum Toxin into the bladder via a telescope reduces urine leakage, especially in patients with severe urge urinary incontinence.
• Surgery – There are several surgical options used in the treatment of urinary incontinence. These include but are not limited to insertion of mid-urethral slings and artificial valves. Surgery is often employed as a treatment in patients with predominantly stress urinary incontinence.