​​Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control ranging from slight leakage while coughing or sneezing, to uncontrollable wetting before you can reach the toilet. It is a common condition that is generally treatable and it affects women and men. The disorder is more common amongst women due to weakening of the pelvic muscles after childbirth or thinning of the urethral lining after menopause. 

This condition is also exprerienced by the elderly population. Other causes include bladder infection, incapability of the bladder outlet to stay closed or a side-effect of any prescribed medications.

The primary symptom of urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. The nature and frequency of leakage depend on the type of incontinence:

  • Stress Incontinence: Leakage occurs during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or heavy lifting.
  • Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.
  • Overflow Incontinence: Frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to the bladder not emptying completely.
  • Functional Incontinence: Urine leakage due to physical or mental impairments preventing timely bathroom access.
  • Mixed Incontinence: A combination of two or more types, commonly stress and urge incontinence.​

Consult our Urology or Obstetrics and Gynaecology​ experts if you experience:

  • Frequent or constant urine leakage.
  • Sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control.
  • Increased frequency of urination, especially if it disrupts daily activities or sleep.
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder.

Early evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide effective treatment options.​

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​

To diagnose urinary incontinence, your healthcare provider may recommend:

  • Medical History and Physical Examination: Assessment of symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam to identify potential causes.
  • Urinalysis: Laboratory analysis of urine to detect signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities.
  • Bladder Diary: Recording fluid intake, urination times, urine volume, and leakage episodes over several days.
  • Postvoid Residual Measurement: Determining the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination, often using ultrasound.
  • Urodynamic Testing: Assessing bladder function and pressure during filling and emptying.
  • Cystoscopy: Using a thin tube with a camera to examine the inside of the urethra and bladder.

These tests help identify the type and cause of incontinence, guiding appropriate treatment.​

Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause. Options may include:

  • Behavioral Techniques: Bladder training, scheduled toilet trips, and fluid/diet management.
  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegel Exercises): Strengthening the muscles that control urination.
  • Medications: Drugs to calm overactive bladders or increase bladder capacity.
  • Medical Devices: Urethral inserts or pessaries to prevent leakage.
  • Interventional Therapies: Injections or nerve stimulators to improve bladder control.
  • Surgery: Procedures to support the bladder or urethra, or to correct underlying anatomical issues.​

A personalized treatment plan will be developed based on your specific condition and needs.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialised clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatment costs and authorise admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies.

The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor or nurse will provide specific instructions regarding any prescribed medications. It is essential to follow their guidance carefully. Self-prescribing or altering medication without professional advice can be harmful. Inform your healthcare provider of any past adverse reactions to medications. If you experience symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose, or a severe reaction, contact the Pharmacy Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. The contact number is listed in the 'Numbers' section on the hospital's homepage.​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.