Delicate issues often force women to keep quiet for longer than necessary: changing plans, avoiding sport, worrying before trips and constantly thinking about an “awkward moment”. This is precisely how urinary incontinence affects not only physical comfort, but also confidence, sleep, intimate life and emotional well-being. Many women face this problem after childbirth, during the menopause or due to other changes in the body, but put off seeing a doctor out of embarrassment. This condition can be treated: at the AVICENNA MED clinic in Kyiv, we help identify the cause, select a treatment method and restore control over your daily life without unnecessary discomfort.
Why do women experience urinary incontinence: causes and risk factors
The problem often develops gradually: at first, it is a few drops when coughing or laughing, then a fear of exercise, long walks or journeys. Urinary incontinence in women can be linked to anatomical changes, strain on the pelvic floor muscles, hormonal processes and associated conditions. The following factors most commonly increase the risk:
- Weak pelvic floor muscles. After pregnancy and childbirth, the tissues may lose tone, causing the urethra to retain urine less effectively during exertion.
- Menopause and hormonal changes. A drop in oestrogen levels affects the mucous membranes, tissue elasticity and support of the urinary tract.
- Excess weight. Obesity increases pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, so leakage may occur more frequently.
- Chronic cough. Constant coughing fits place regular strain on the muscles and sphincter, particularly in cases of bronchitis, asthma or smoking.
- Surgical procedures. Operations on the pelvic organs can alter the support of the bladder and urethra.
- Heavy physical labour or frequent heavy lifting. Constant straining increases intra-abdominal pressure and gradually weakens urinary control.
Every woman may have her own specific cause. It is therefore important not to choose exercises, medications or treatments at random, but to consult a doctor and understand exactly what triggers the symptoms.
Types of urinary incontinence
The type of urinary incontinence determines not only the symptoms but also the subsequent diagnostic and treatment plan. That is why at AVICENNA MED, the doctor first carefully listens to the patient’s complaints, analyses the situations in which leakage occurs, and explains to the patient why the problem requires a medical solution rather than a source of embarrassment. Here are the main types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress urinary incontinence. Occurs when coughing, laughing, sneezing, running, jumping or lifting heavy objects. For example, a woman may notice leakage after childbirth, during exercise or even with sudden movements when pressure on the bladder increases.
- Urge incontinence. This manifests as a sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to suppress. Often, a woman feels she must get to the toilet immediately, even if she had not previously experienced any significant discomfort.
- Mixed. Combines symptoms of both the stress and urge types. In this case, leakage can occur both during physical exertion and following a sudden urge, so treatment is selected with particular care.
Our clinic offers a gynaecology department where you can have a consultation, undergo an examination and receive a clear plan for further action. The more accurately the type of condition is identified, the greater the chances of finding a method that truly addresses the root cause of the problem.
Stress urinary incontinence: symptoms and treatment
Stress urinary incontinence often occurs when coughing, sneezing, laughing, running or lifting heavy objects. At such times, pressure on the bladder increases, and a weakened sphincter cannot hold the urine, so urinary incontinence when coughing may be the first sign of a problem.
Treatment is selected following an examination and diagnosis. In the early stages, the doctor may recommend Kegel exercises, physiotherapy and addressing risk factors, whilst in cases of severe stress incontinence, TVT/TOT surgery may be recommended to support the urethra and reduce leakage.
Diagnosis of urinary incontinence at AVICENNA MED
Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a doctor: it is important to understand when urinary incontinence occurs, what triggers it, and how frequently episodes of leakage occur. Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for comprehensive examination; in particular, female patients can undergo a pelvic ultrasound to assess the condition of the pelvic organs and rule out any underlying causes of the symptoms. The main stages of diagnosis may include:
- interview and medical history;
- keeping a urination diary;
- pelvic ultrasound;
- urine tests;
- urodynamic testing where indicated.
This approach helps to avoid a haphazard approach and identify the actual cause of the problem: pelvic floor weakness, urgent urges, inflammation, or a mixed type of disorder. Following the examination, the doctor explains the results in plain language and proposes a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s condition, age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms.
Methods of treating urinary incontinence
The treatment method is selected following diagnosis, as symptoms, causes and the severity of the problem may vary. An effective plan treatment for urinary incontinence in women must take into account the type of incontinence, the condition of the pelvic floor and the patient’s lifestyle. Main treatment methods:
- Conservative. Kegel exercises, physiotherapy, bladder training and medication where indicated. Suitable for mild to moderate symptoms.
- Minimally invasive methods. Injection procedures can be used to support tissues and reduce leakage without major intervention.
- Surgical treatment with TVT/TOT sling. This method is mainly used for stress incontinence. The operation usually takes less than 30 minutes, and for post-operative care, our clinic offers a comfortable gynaecological hospital and a one-day surgery option.
At AVICENNA MED, the doctor explains each treatment option, the expected outcome and the recovery period. This approach helps you make a decision without rushing and without unnecessary discomfort.
TVT/TOT surgery for urinary incontinence: how it works
TVT/TOT is a minimally invasive procedure that may be recommended when urinary incontinence in women is linked to weak urethral support and cannot be corrected using conservative methods. The procedure aims to create additional support for the urethra to reduce leakage when coughing, laughing, running or during other physical exertion. Here are the main stages of the procedure:
- Preparation. Consultation, tests, examination and selection of the optimal type of procedure.
- Anaesthesia. The doctor selects the type of anaesthesia on an individual basis, taking the patient’s condition into account.
- The procedure. A special TVT/TOT sling is inserted; the procedure itself usually takes around 30 minutes.
- Recovery. In most cases, a short period of observation is required, approximately 1-2 days.
- Results. According to medical data, the effectiveness of this treatment can reach 85-90% if the method is selected based on the indications.
After the operation, the doctor explains which activities to temporarily avoid, when you can return to your normal routine, and how to monitor the results. This treatment approach helps resolve a sensitive issue without a large incision, a prolonged hospital stay, or unnecessary stress for the patient.
Advantages of urinary incontinence treatment at AVICENNA MED
At AVICENNA MED, the patient receives sensitive care without embarrassment, haste or awkward explanations. Our clinic helps you undergo examinations in one place and treats urinary incontinence as a medical condition that can and should be treated. Benefits of visiting AVICENNA MED:
- a female-centred approach and attentive care regarding intimate concerns;
- experienced gynaecologists and urologists;
- state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment;
- gentle, minimally invasive procedures;
- a comfortable gynaecological ward;
- confidentiality at all stages of treatment;
- clear discussion of costs before procedures begin.
For a more accurate diagnosis, our clinic has its own clinical laboratory (tests), where you can have the necessary tests carried out without the need to travel between different facilities. Once the results are available, the doctor explains the next steps in plain language.
