A Common but Often Taboo Health Issue
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence refers to the unintentional loss of urine and is a widespread health issue. In Germany, an estimated 15% of the female population is affected—across all age groups. However, the likelihood of experiencing it increases with age. Urinary incontinence not only has physical but also significant psychological and social impacts. It can severely impair the quality of life of those affected and lead to considerable restrictions in daily life. Despite its prevalence, incontinence remains a taboo subject for many and is rarely discussed openly. Yet, early diagnosis and individualized treatment can help those affected regain their quality of life.
Diverse Causes
Different Types of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence occurs in various forms. Sometimes it is accompanied by a sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to control. In other cases, urine is lost while climbing stairs, sneezing, or laughing. The amount of urine lost can range from a few drops to the complete emptying of the bladder.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
There are many causes of urinary incontinence. Often, it is due to a dysfunction of the bladder muscle, for example, due to repeated bladder infections. A weakness of the pelvic floor, which can occur with age or after pregnancy and childbirth, affects the closure mechanism of the bladder. Additionally, nerves responsible for bladder function can be damaged, for instance, by diabetes.
Managing Incontinence
Individualized Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
My task is to thoroughly understand your type of urinary incontinence, identify the underlying cause, and work with you to develop the best treatment method. We have numerous conservative treatment options at our disposal that are often highly effective. These include urotherapeutic counseling, which covers lifestyle modifications and adjustments to drinking and voiding habits. The use of medical aids, such as tampons or pessaries, can also be supportive. In many cases, medications are used to stabilize bladder function.
Therapeutic Approaches to Incontinence Treatment
Another important component of treatment is physiotherapeutic training, such as toning pelvic floor exercises that help strengthen the muscles. In some cases, this can be supplemented with device-based support, like electrostimulation. If all conservative measures have been exhausted without achieving improvement and there is a pronounced organic change, surgical treatment may be considered. In such cases, I am happy to help you find the appropriate specialized clinic.