Involuntary urination restricts many women in their activities. In summer, they suffer even more than usual from not having their bladder under control. Unnecessarily so, because there are also therapies for severe cases of incontinence. Cornelia Betschart is a senior physician at the Department of Gynecology and a specialist in urogynecology at the University Hospital Zurich and knows the treatment options.
Ms. Betschart, the topic of incontinence is being dealt with more openly in advertising, special hygiene products are advertised and offered in supermarkets. Has the shame on the subject disappeared?
First and foremost, we can see that the problem is widespread. These products are of course helpful for those affected. However, they should not lead to the impression that there are no effective treatment options. And: the shame is still there. Those affected often try to cope on their own for far too long and only talk to their family doctor or gynecologist when the level of suffering has become too high. However, the right treatment can not only alleviate the symptoms, but in some cases also restore complete control over bladder emptying.
When exactly is incontinence diagnosed?
In the case of incontinence, those affected can no longer control the emptying of their bladder. There is an involuntary loss of urine. The extent of this can vary greatly, but it severely restricts the quality of life of all those affected. Depending on the cause, incontinence is also associated with other symptoms.
Why are women affected in the vast majority of cases?
The female anatomy makes women more susceptible to bladder weakness. Many people are aware that a weakening of the pelvic floor due to pregnancy and childbirth can be the cause of incontinence. But other changes around the bladder, in the bladder itself, heavy lifting or simply old age can also lead to incontinence.
So the first step is to clarify the exact cause?
For targeted and effective therapy, it is essential to determine whether the cause is organ prolapse, pelvic floor weakness or problems with the bladder itself, for example with the sphincter. We also distinguish between different forms of incontinence, depending on whether urine leakage occurs during exertion, e.g. when coughing or during sport, or whether there is a constant urge to urinate. The first point of contact for clarification is your family doctor or gynecologist.
