Urinary incontinence in women

Leakage after childbirth or when coughing, sneezing, laughing, running or exercising can affect everyday life. You do not have to accept persistent symptoms without seeking advice.

Different types

Stress incontinence causes leakage with pressure, such as coughing or exercise. Urgency incontinence involves a sudden strong need to urinate followed by leakage. Both can occur together. Frequent urination, waking at night, vaginal heaviness or a bulge may also need assessment.

After pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth can affect the pelvic floor. Symptoms do not always settle by themselves. Discuss persistent leakage or restrictions to daily activities with a doctor.

What does a consultation involve?

The doctor asks when leakage occurs, about urgency, frequency, childbirth and its impact. Where appropriate, a gynaecological examination assesses the pelvic floor and possible prolapse. Treatment depends on the type of symptoms and your circumstances.

Prolapse

Heaviness or a vaginal bulge, discomfort when walking, difficulty emptying the bladder, symptoms worse later in the day or discomfort during sex may relate to prolapse. Examination helps establish the cause.

Treatment options

Options depend on age, childbirth, health and severity. Correct pelvic-floor training is often an initial step for stress incontinence, with a specialist physiotherapist where appropriate. Bladder training may help urgency. Medication, further investigation or specialist treatment may be discussed if indicated or if conservative care is insufficient.

When should you seek advice sooner?

Contact a healthcare professional for blood in urine, painful urination, recurrent infections, difficulty emptying the bladder, significant new changes or severe pain.

Consultation in Alphen aan den Rijn

Dr Barbara Blicharczyk, specialist in gynaecology, BIG registration 39919510801. Euromarkt 34, 2408 BL Alphen aan den Rijn. With your consent, a consultation report can be sent to your huisarts. Private access without a referral does not guarantee insurance reimbursement.

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This educational text follows the published practice information and its Thuisarts and clinical-guideline references; it is not individual treatment advice.